Looking for your next taco Tuesday destination? Rockford is home to a variety of taco spots offering authentic flavors and unforgettable meals. We as the GoRockford interns made it our mission this summer to try a new taco place in Rockford each week. Here are a few of the many taco shops we were able to try.
 

Olivo Tacos

Our first stop on the taco tour was Olivo Tacos! With three restaurant locations and several food trucks, it's easy to see why this local favorite has such a strong following. We were able to try the 3 for $5 taco deal. The service was amazing, and the tacos were delicious. The 3 for $5 deal is a great choice when wanting a good meal for not a lot of money. We are excited to go back and try more.

Olivo Taco


Cantina Taco

Our second stop on this amazing taco journey was Cantina Taco. Cantina Taco is a local favorite here in Rockford, IL. They have two locations and a food truck in the Rockford area, so this spot is super easy to find no matter where you are. We were able to try their steak, pork, and chicken tacos. I will have to say all of them were 10/10s. Side note: their chips and queso are amazing! If you are looking for juicy, fresh, and bold tacos, you need to try Cantina Taco. I will definitely be going back for a Taco Tuesday.

Cantina Taco

Guanajuato

Our third spot was Guanajuato. This taco shop is located directly inside of the Guanajuatos supermarket. It is definitely a hidden gem that everyone needs to try out. We tried their steak and pork tacos, and they did not disappoint. The best thing about this taco shop is that they have a dessert section right on the other side of the store, so you can get a sweet treat right after having their amazing tacos. Overall, this was one of the best discoveries during our taco journey, and I will definitely be going back to try more.

Guanajuto

El Ranchito

The fourth spot on this delicious tour was El Ranchito. Previously known as Mi Ranchito, this locally owned taco restaurant will quickly become a must-visit stop for taco lovers in Rockford. With a simple but big menu, there is something for everyone. Us interns had the opportunity to try the steak and birria tacos, and they were packed with flavor. Each bite left us impressed, and we couldn’t stop talking about how delicious they were. This is definitely a local
spot that every resident and visitor needs to try. I can confidently say you will be coming back for more at the end of your meal.

El Ranchito

Tortilla Express

The fifth and final stop on this taco tour was Tortilla Express. Conveniently located right across from our office, this restaurant had it all. The location is perfect, right in the heart of downtown Rockford. Besides the location, the tacos definitely did not miss the mark. They had a huge variety of meats to choose from and tons of toppings. We tried the steak and chicken tacos. The chicken ones really impressed us, and we could not stop talking about the flavor. The customer service was amazing, even though it was busy when we stopped by. We are so excited to go back and try more.

Tortilla Express

Continue Your Tour

The GoRockford interns had such a fun time exploring just a few of the amazing taco restaurants around Rockford, IL. From flavorful tacos to welcoming local businesses, each stop gave us a chance to experience the food scene our community has to offer. While this was only a small taste of Rockford’s taco options, we hope this inspires you to try a new spot. Go explore some of these small local businesses; I promise you will not be disappointed. I can’t wait to continue exploring and trying more taco shops in the future.