The Garage

Filthy, filthy filthy. I’m surprised that with the food handling practices, that the health department hasn’t shut them down.

Decent tacos, some better than others. Standout for me was the Carnitas, well marinated and flavorful. Chorizo was also good, but not as special. Skip the carne asada, pretty bland.
The ‘3 taco meal’ just includes chips and salsa, there are better deals around for $ 13. Consider small side of rice and beans to improve the «meal’ at that price.
The space is small and casual, great for quick lunch.
Would go back, just would try some different meats to see which ones are better than others.

I used to go here a lot because the tacos are good but over time I was put off by their weird hours and lack of customer service, often felt a little unwelcome.

Please update your open hours on Unilocal.I’ve been here twice and it’s been closed but Unilocal says open.

I’ve had better tacos from Burger King! Also, they are NOT open from 4 till 8. So they should really take that off of the page.

I previously reviewed this place and gave it 4 stars. I’ve visited several times since then and it’s been a little bit worse each time. Each time it took longer to get food, even if there weren’t many customers. Today was the worst being that it took 20 minutes to get «the best fried chicken ever» that was just good fried chicken. It was a special and served on white bread that just fell apart. It was kind of sad. It was supposed to be a Mexican version of Nashville hot fried chicken but they didn’t put it in a tortilla so that didn’t make sense and the coleslaw it came with was more like a sad attempt at a salad. So it was just decent Nashville hot friend chicken.
Every time I’ve gone here it’s extremely tiny portions for way too much money. It’s really not worth going for the tacos or the specials. Only once was I pleased with their food, every other time was a disappointment for a lot of money. The salsa has never improved and it’s decent but not good enough. The wait is always the worst part. One of the slowest places in the area really. Of course it’s great if you want your mini-​enchis and tiny tacos.

This place is awesome! It is a bit on the small side so going right as service starts or after 12:30 is best to get a seat. The salsa is excellent and the carne asada tacos rock!

Meh tacos.

Stale tortillas. Flavorless chips. Subpar salsa. $ 4 for beans (not even including rice). $ 15 for three small tacos and an over-​sweetened agua fresca. tacos BURIED in cilantro. I understand that this is West Loop and the food is prepared for a different pallet (and pocketbook), but I could go to any taco dive and enjoy more flavorful, authentic food with better service. Hitting up any casual Mexican restaurant would get me an arrachera dinner with rice and beans and a drink for as much as these guys charged for 3 lousy tacos. Two stars only because I don’t have food poisoning *knocks on wood*. I’m sure they employ talented chefs, just please, please stay away from $ 15 tacos.

Food is great. Cool vibe for lunch. It is literally in a garage. The only issue is it’s a little pricy for the amount of food that you get.

Best street tacos I have had since moving to Chicago from San Diego in May. I ordered one Al Pastor and one Camarones — Both excellent! AND… they have Mexican Coke AKA no HFC!!! The staff was great. I love it when a server gives a passionate recommendation – I ordered exactly what he recommended and it was spot on. I loved both tacos and the salsa.
I was in a hurry today because my car was double-​parked, so I don’t understand the guest menu but I fully intend to become an expert! I got my food to go but plan to eat in next time. Very cool space.
I am glad I finally made the effort to go here and I am kicking myself for not doing so sooner. The Garage is 4 blocks from my apartment. I am adding them to my list of fav places in the West Loop. It honestly made me feel at home in Chicago. I can’t wait to go back!
@thesalsatruck is their food truck — haven’t crossed paths with it but will make it a point to do so soon :)

I was disappointed that we arrived at the end of the 11−2pm lunch rush when there were only two taco options left: Raja (peppers) and Chorizo. I ordered the Two Taco Lunch Special for $ 10.50 (chips and drink [can of Diet for me] included). We ordered a small guacamole to go along with our chips.
I like that we had the choice of two salsas apiece — I just remember one that I got was a salsa verde, which was good. My companion got a red salsa that was smoky (fire-​roasted peppers?) and slightly sweet — by far my fave of the four we had between us. The chips themselves were unremarkable.
We sat at one of two picnic benches. There is also counter seating, and alcohol is available. The place also has two unisex bathrooms. The one I used needed a little tidying up.
The tacos were tasty enough, though the Chorizo was too salty for my taste. Service was quick and friendly. I feel like the prices were a bit steep considering what I ordered; in hindsight, I’d order a la carte. I’m sad we didn’t get to try any fish tacos; hopefully next time!

I had their tacos and chips deal. Their salsa is very fresh and tasty. They have mexican bottled coke! As far as value, their prices are alligned with most other restauraunts in the west loop.
One other thing they use corn tortillas with cilantro, onion, and limes. Pretty legit.

Some of the best tacos at a reasonable price!
My favorite «al pastor»
Also love their version of daily junk food!

Food is solid. It’s the kitchen for several food trucks, and it’s great that there’s new options every day at lunch/​dinner. Have had a few interesting surprises here.
This place is very… flexible. It tends to just randomly not open for business sometimes. The hours are more like… clouds! Or suggestions!
For a while it was serving breakfast (not sure if it still is) and we went in one morning only to encounter some dude who was TOTALLY not happy to see us and kept repeating, as if in a trance, «But…I don’t have any egggggggs.» Um, OK…
I know it closes when it runs out of stuff… but I am talking about the fact that sometimes, it just doesn’t open. Because it’s Tuesday. Or whatever.
Still worth a try.

Pretty good tacos! Having tried most of the selection, I don’t really have a favorite — they’re all really tasty.
Not a huge fan of the salsa, though. Just isn’t my style/​flavor preference. But, the salsa isn’t what keeps me interested in coming back.
The atmosphere is pretty nice for lunch… relaxed and all… but the music is often way too loud. As another tipster recommends, get there before noon or you’ll either be standing in a long line, or you’ll get to the counter just as they’ve run out of food. They serve until they’re out, which seems to be a good sign… there’s no reaching back into the freezer for more Sysco-​brand Frozen Meat Product when they run low.

Food truck food served out of a brick & mortar? Interesting concept with great execution! From the open & communal seating, to the garage door and simple environment, it’s down and dirty with delicious food.
I had some great tacos today. Aggressively seasoned, and cooked to perfection with a heavy toss of cilantro. I tried the chorizo, carnitas and chicharrón. The chicharrón was a textural goldmine with thick and crispy, melt in your mouth pork fat. It took to the included lime perfectly.
What made the meal particularly unique, was the fact that today’s menu also included «san francisco» themed food. My friend really enjoyed his authentic clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl and the table REALLY enjoyed the fried calamari.
Take note, they run out of food just like a food truck so show up early if you have your heart something. I was told the steak is really good, but they were out by 1:30. All in all a solid lunch, and I look forward to future visits.

GOOD. ASS. TACOS.
Fast friendly service, delicious tacos with fresh lime, and plenty of space to eat or convenient to-​go boxes make this a true hidden gem in the west loop. I keep wanting to try something on the daily changing menu, but the tacos are just too damn good.
Would be nice if it was a bit cheaper, but still, quality is tops here.

The Garage is just that– a garage with picnic tables that serves up yummy Salsa Truck tacos (currently for $ 3). There’s a line at lunch time, but it moves quickly. My favorite are the Rajas and Carne Asada, and the salsas are the star.
There’s not much in the way of great service here, it’s mostly order your tacos and salsas, and move on. Hopefully one of the few wooden picnic tables is open, if you need to eat ‘em here, otherwise, taking them to go is probably best.

How weird is it that I opened my
Soup and it was only 2/​3s full?! Anyway soup was good sandwich was meh… I’ll prob go back bc I live so close. I’ll try the tacos next time