Broken English Taco Pub

Broken English Taco Pub

75 E Lake St, Chicago, IL 60601, United States

+1 312-929-3601

Mexican restaurant, Bar
(4661)
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About This Place

Nestled in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant downtown, Broken English Taco Pub delivers an electrifying twist on Mexican street fare that’s as bold and flavorful as its ambiance. This Mexican restaurant and bar is a spirited haven for taco lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike, blending authentic flavors with creative flair in every dish and drink.

At Broken English Taco Pub, the menu is a celebration of carefully crafted tacos and irresistible snacks that invite you to savor bold, fresh ingredients. The Carne Asada Tacos feature tender, grilled steak layered with chopped onions and fresh cilantro, bursting with smokiness and savory depth. Vegetarians will find delight in the Veggie Taco, boasting black bean purée, sautéed poblano peppers, and a colorful medley of zucchini, asparagus, and carrots that dance on the palate with every bite. For those craving bold textures and layers of flavor, the ¡Ay Papa! taco combines silky garlic potato purée and rosemary salsa cruda, crowned with crunchy flour tortillas—a symphony of creamy, herbal, and crisp sensations. And don’t miss the Borderland Brisket, a Chile-rubbed beef brisket taco with salsa cruda that offers a smoky, tangy kick.

Complement your meal with standout sharable plates like the Nacho Momma’s Nachos Supreme, piled high with crispy tortillas, black beans, guacamole, pickled jalapeños, and smoky chipotle fondue, or savor the uniquely indulgent Chicharron Y Guacamole—mashed avocado mingled with pico de gallo and queso cotija, served alongside crispy cracklings that add the perfect crunch. For those drawn to indulgent bites, the Papas Enchiladas are a comforting, cheesy triumph made from hand-cut potato chips topped with tangy cotija cheese.

Broken English Taco Pub is equally renowned for its creative cocktail program and lively bar scene. Dive into their Baller Margarita or sip endlessly with Bottomless Mimosas, both praised for their balance and refreshing character. Patrons consistently rave about cocktails like the Paloma and house specialties that perfectly marry the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine with innovative mixology.

The dining atmosphere here is an exhilarating fusion of urban energy and casual comfort. The space buzzes with neon lights, colorful murals, and an inviting, laid-back vibe that feels both dynamic and approachable. It’s the kind of place where conversations flow easily over expertly crafted drinks and generous portions, as one customer puts it, “a fun cozy spot with a creative twist on traditional street taco.” The communal seating encourages connection—be ready to sidle up to your tablemates and share in the vibrant experience.

Customer reviews echo the unforgettable charm of Broken English Taco Pub. Vickie Jones praises the "fresh, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned" tacos alongside smooth, well-balanced margaritas, while Kamilliah Abdel found the food so captivating it “made its way into my thoughts & feelings journal.” Others note the “organized chaos” and “pure liquid sunshine” of their drinks and the delightfully large portions that keep guests happily satiated without a wait. The attentive and personable staff, like Tanya mentioned by multiple diners, elevate every visit, intertwining exceptional service with genuine warmth.

Whether you’re craving authentic tacos that honor Mexico’s rich culinary heritage or inventive cocktails that push the boundaries of flavor, Broken English Taco Pub promises an unforgettable dining adventure. It’s a must-visit destination where the vibrant spirit of Chicago meets bold, fresh Mexican flavors served with heart and a wink. Prepare to indulge your senses, connect with fellow food lovers, and fall a little in love with every bite and sip.

Service options
Outdoor seating -contact delivery Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service Great beer selection Great cocktails Sport
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet Wheelchair-accessible car park
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Happy-hour drinks Happy-hour food Late-night food Quick bite Small plates Spirits Vegan options Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Brunch Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet Wi-Fi Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly Groups LGBTQ+ friendly Tourists University students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs
Parking
Paid parking lot Paid street parking Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Thursday
    11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Friday
    11:30 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Saturday
    11:30 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Sunday
    11:30 AM - 08:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Vickie Jones
    3 week ago

    Great tacos and an even better margarita! The tacos were fresh, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, and the margarita was smooth, refreshing, and well balanced. Loved the laid-back vibe too. Definitely coming back! Highly recommended!!!

  • Mar Mar
    4 week ago

    The server was absolutely delicious. Somehow found time to have an actual conversation with us while taking our order and serving others. We didn't have to wait much. Such a fun cozy spot with a creative twist on traditional street taco. Generously filled tacos so we each filled up on 3 or 4 tacos. You have to be comfortable with sidling up with your tablemates. The environment is buzzing but in a fun, not stressful or rushed way.

  • Igor Henrique
    1 month ago

    Beware! The portions are huge. We ordered the Nachos and a tray of tacos, and it was way more than we expected. Food was tasty, and came out very quickly. The margaritas were good as well. The atmosphere is fun, layback, and really makes justice to being called a “taco pub”.

  • Mike Austin
    2 month ago

    Broken English Taco Pub might just be the definition of organized chaos — neon lights, wild murals, and the kind of energy that makes you want to order “just one more round.” We dove in with a passionfruit refresco that lived up to its name — pure liquid sunshine. The hamburguesa arrived stacked, saucy, and unapologetically indulgent. The Guacamole de Piña was a sweet-savory dream that deserved its own slow clap, and the Carne Asada came in sizzling with attitude. Even the Mucho Good Greens Bowl flexed like it had something to prove — crisp, bold, and full of flavor. It’s one of those spots where you leave full, happy, and slightly glittered by the vibe.

  • Kamilliah Abdel
    3 month ago

    Food so good it made its way into my thoughts & feelings journal. Thank you for restoring my faith. Tanya was an amazing server and also so nice! Everything was out quickly. Sangria strong as funk. Meow.

  • Dr. RL
    3 month ago

    this is an awesome Mexican restaurant near the Riverwalk. The street tacos are fantastic. We loved the brisket chicken and Carne Asada. You definitely need to get the guacamole and chips. They were fantastic!

  • Jay Fal
    3 month ago

    Joselyn made the experience amazing . She was super friendly, welcoming, and gave the best recommendations for tacos and margaritas . It is rare to find service that feels this genuine, and she really stood out. The tacos were delicious , the margaritas refreshing , and the vibe was colorful and fun . Definitely a go-to spot in Chicago for good food, drinks, and great people

  • Kayla Barnett
    3 month ago

    We were visiting Chicago for the NBA game & Christmas time. We're so glad we stopped here. The tacos were amazing. DON'T LEAVE WITHOUT TRYING the churro filled with chocolate & peach gelato, probably my favorite dessert the whole trip! My favorite taco was the shrimp one & my husband's was the pork pineapple one. We also tried a raspberry marg on the rocks, which was great, but it was on the smaller side. The chips & salsa was okay (the chips were good, but the salsa was 2 different kinds & not your typical salsa). The atmosphere was perfect, but was also decorated very cute for Christmas. I recommend trying this restaurant, especially if you like Mexican food.

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