Imagine this: juicy pork shaved directly from a revolving spit, cradled in a warm, handmade tortilla, topped with confetti-bright cilantro and onions. That’s the vibe at Thlaco Taco Tijuanense #2, a new Arlington Heights spot that’s shuttling auténtico Tijuana to the suburbs.
After falling in love with the Hanover Park location, I was eager to see what owners Pedro Sanchez and Lizbeth Esquivel would do next. Let’s just say — your taco Tuesdays are about to get upgraded.
From 7-Eleven to Taco Heaven
The new outpost at 1786 W. Algonquin Road (opening this weekend!) isn’t your average taqueria. Pedro and Lizbeth spent a year converting a former 7-Eleven into a snug spot for street food fans. Think colorful papel picado banners, juicy marinated meat singing on the grill and the sort of tortillas that will spoil you for hundreds of store-bought versions forever. Pro tip: Set a calendar reminder for their Oct. 15 grand opening — they’re said to be giving out free samples and $2 tacos!
Why This Place Hits Different
Let’s talk about those tortillas. Made daily using nixtamalized corn (an ancient process that boosts flavor and nutrition), they’re the chewy, slightly charred foundation for Thlaco’s star dish: tacos al pastor. Imagine layers of pork marinated in achiote, guajillo chilies, and pineapple, slow-cooked on a vertical spit. It’s like the lovechild of a Mexican taqueria and a Lebanese shawarma joint — and it works.
But there’s more:
- Vegan jackfruit al pastor that even meat-lovers sneak bites of.
- Quesabirrias so juicy, you’ll want to sip the leftover consommé.
- Three house salsas — including a habanero number that’ll make your forehead sweat (in the best way).
Pedro, a former Costco manager, told me their secret: “We treat every taco like it’s for our abuela. No shortcuts.” That means hand-cutting meat, sourcing Illinois-grown onions and herbs (shoutout to nearby Green Acres Farm!), and marinating everything for 24 hours.
Tacos, Beer, and… Mariachi?
They just scored a liquor license, so grab a frosty Modelo or Pacifico to pair with your meal. Margaritas are coming soon, but for now, the focus is on what they do best: food that feels like a hug. And starting in November, weekend nights will feature live mariachi bands on their new patio — because nothing says “fiesta” like guacamole and guitarron solos under string lights.
Thlaco isn’t new to the game. Their OG spot earned a cult following after slinging tacos at Lollapalooza’s VIP lounge last summer. “One day I’m managing pallets of toilet paper at Costco,” Pedro laughed, “the next, I’m serving celebrities.” But for him, the real win is seeing families crowd around their tables, laughing over shared sopes.
Final Bite
Open Tuesday-Sunday (closed Mondays for much needed taco prep), Thlaco offers the antidote to humdrum fast-casual meals. Whether you’re a hardcore food freak or simply in the mood for a killer burrito, this joint delivers. As Lizbeth said, “In Mexico, tacos are not just food — they are memories.” And believe me, you’ll want to make some here.
P.S. Follow them on Instagram @ThlacoTacos for updates on their infamous “secret menu” items. (I’m rooting for churro-stuffed sopapillas next.)
