With hundreds of restaurants and places to eat on Harlem Avenue, it is easy to get lost in the shuffle. Anyone can serve up food at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, but can they say the same for 3 o’clock in the morning? How about 4AM? Or 5AM? How about on Christmas Night at midnight? Well, one restaurant is cooking up mouth-watering Mexican food 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Located in Norwood Park, at 5509 N. Harlem Avenue, Taco Burrito King has become a late night staple for all varieties of people. From groups who just finished last call at the bars and local clubs to CTA workers on the graveyard shift, TBK (as it is affectionately known) is serving anyone and everyone.

Originally started in a 350 foot shack on Belmont Avenue, TBK has grown in to a Mexican food empire over the last 16 years. With 9 locations in Chicago and the surrounding areas, they are growing remarkably fast. Having been to 3 or 4 different ones, I have to say that the one on the intersection of Harlem and Higgins is the most “charming” and tends to get people from all walks of life. I ventured in not too long ago after a Blackhawks game and saw a couple of other fans making a post game stop. Getting your food “to go”, especially in the late hours, is encouraged as this is when it can be the busiest.

I’d be negligent if I didn’t mention the terrific food. My personal favorite is the al pastor (pork) quesadilla plate with a side of chips and salsa. For bigger appetites they have a 13½” Super King Burrito that comes with all the fixings. Weekly Specials occur Monday through Thursday and include such classic originals as the enchilada plate and torta plate. If you haven’t tried the torta it is a must! The torta is a Mexican sandwich piled with beans, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, cheese, hot sauce and your choice of meat. Meat choices include steak, chicken, ground beef, pork, chorizo and lengua. I tend to stay away from the lengua (tongue). But that’s just me.

No matter what time of day or night, TBK is serving up hot, fast Mexican cuisine in an atmosphere that can only be summed up as….. well………….unusual. I’m a big fan and have been for over a decade. For more information or to see the extensive menu, go to www.tacoburritoking.com.