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Mary's TaqueriaBWorth Trying

Name: Mary's Taqueria
Address: 1901 S Canalport Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, Chicago, United States
Rating: 4.5

1901 S Canalport Ave, Chicago, IL 60616 · Mexican restaurant, Grocery store, Restaurant · 4.5/5 Google (515 reviews)

Takeout

Neighborhood taqueria with flavorful, affordable tacos and house salsas; value is good but service is inconsistent and card surcharges or extra fees frustrate some diners.

Why it gets a B for overall quality

Mary's Taqueria delivers solid neighborhood taqueria quality anchored by flavorful classic tacos with punchy house salsas and fast turnaround. However, inconsistent service—ranging from friendly to curt— and operational friction (card surcharges, unreliable hours) prevent a higher grade. Strong loyalty among regulars and reasonable value keep it competitive with respected local favorites, though it lacks the consistency and polish of premier neighborhood destinations.

Restaurant Summary

On a Canalport corner by the market, this taqueria feels warm and local—a grocery-and-grill hybrid where regulars grab pastor and creamy green salsa. Service swings from friendly to curt, but plates land fast and hot. One diner said, "tacos were filled nicely and came out quick," though others flagged card surcharges and occasional rough interactions. The cooking leans classic and comforting, anchored by asada, pastor, and lengua with punchy salsas and well-seasoned rice and beans. It is not a showpiece spot; it is a place where you chase that fresh tortilla and char. Fans rave about taco dinners and horchata, and loyalists have even trusted them for catering. Families do well here thanks to straightforward options like chicken tacos, fries, and even nuggets. Portions are reasonable, prices fair for the area, and kids tend to clear their plates. There is no kids menu per se, but the menu has plenty of kid-friendly choices like quesadillas, rice, and guacamole.

At a Glance

Flavorful classic tacos (asada, pastor, lengua) with house salsas
Fast turnaround and good value for generous portions
Credit card surcharge and extra fees reported by multiple diners
Service inconsistency, including a few rude cashier reports
Hours can be unreliable; several reports of early or unexpected closures

What Sets It Apart

classic_taco_focus
house_salsas_fanbase
catering_popular_with_locals

What People Love

Punchy salsas and creamy green sauce
Well-filled tacos with classic flavors
Consistent value pricing
Loyal, family-run vibe

Points of Concern

Payment surcharges and higher-than-online totals frustrate some diners
Service varies; a few reports of rude interactions and uneven treatment
Occasional cook errors (burnt, oversalted, oily) affect experience
Hours reportedly shift or close early at times; call ahead

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleCounter With Seating Average Cost$18-28 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Opt for taco dinners for best value with rice and beans
Pair with horchata or lemonade for a complete set

Perfect For

Quick taco dinner near 88 Marketplace
Casual family takeout night
Affordable solo lunch
Low-key group catering needs

Location Insights

Area: Industrial-meets-residential corridor near Chinatown markets; practical, local foot traffic with student spillover from UIC.

Safety: Generally safe with steady activity; can feel quiet after hours; standard urban awareness advised.

Nearby: Near 88 Marketplace and small shops; convenient for quick eats, takeout, and market runs.

BridgeportBridgeport is a historically blue-collar neighborhood with a strong sense of community and ethnic diversity, particularly known for its Chinese and Italian-American populations. The dining scene is casual and authentic, featuring a variety of ethnic eateries, local taquerias, and family-run restaurants that reflect the neighborhood's working-class roots and evolving cultural fabric.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday09:30–20:00 Tuesday09:30–20:00 Wednesday09:30–20:00 Thursday09:30–20:00 Friday09:30–20:00 Saturday09:30–19:00 Sunday

Available: Takeout

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