The Story

Meet the founders: Marci Berner, a progressive businesswoman with an IT background, and a culinary treasure of recipes and experience passed down from her mother, who possesses recipes dating back 50 years in Mexico. Her expertise and passion for traditional Mexican cuisine are the driving force behind Tatas Tacos.

Julia Paphitis, a culinary school-trained professional chef, learned from her father, who ran the food service at the Drake Hotel for 40 years. She perfects the meats, including brisket, lamb, and pork, which are decadent, fresh, and made to order, along with the tasty sauces and fixings that go with these amazing tacos.

About Marci

The Tatas originate from their patriarch, a father or grandfather. Marcis’ mother, a single mom, was the tata whom she celebrated Mother’s Day and Father’s Day with today, still at 100 years of age. Her mother raised her and was her mother and father. Michoacán, Mexico, is the home of many butterflies (check nearby big cities).

Marci’s mother, widowed at 28, was in Michoacán, where women were unable to find employment at that time. She made amazing handmade tacos and enchiladas on an open fire, right on the street, and sold them outside bars and parties with live music; she was a street vendor. She also sold her homemade moonshine to make ends meet. She later moved to Tijuana, where she sold tacos and tamales on the streets and raised her family. She finally made it to LA and became one of the original street taco ladies in town. Later, in the 1970s, she was a pioneer in fresh-made tacos again, this time in Pilson, working hard to get her children through school. Her dedication and hard work inspire us every day at Tatas Tacos.
Marci, inspired by her mother’s cooking, worked in technology for many years and later decided to partner with Juia, taking her mom’s recipe and modernizing it. Everything is made from scratch with fresh ingredients; each taco is a main dish in its own right, featuring a variety of ingredients and flavors.

They finally opened the second location after Marci relocated from Lakeview Jefferson Park. The ladies focus on providing Marci’s mother’s original, 50-plus-year-old recipes, all the way from Michoacán, Mexico, across the United States to Portage Park, IL. Handmade tacos and dishes made with high-quality ingredients. From street vendor to modern restaurant, Tatas Tacos offers a culinary journey that is both traditional and innovative. The Tatas Social is a concept that brings family, the community, and people from all walks of life together for entertainment and an unforgettable culinary experience. It’s a space where everyone is welcome, and where we host various events and activities to foster a sense of community.

Tatas Tacos – Centered around catering, delivery, and fast casual food and beverages.

Tatas Kitchen and Social – Focused on bringing the community together, for themes, private events, fundraisers, and more. We are committed to creating a space where everyone feels welcome and valued, and where the community can come together to enjoy delicious food and good company.