La Birria Loca, 27W570 High Lake Rd, Winfield, IL (630.473.0091). Entrees $10–$20; desserts $6.99; no alcohol served, but guests can enjoy soda, Jarritos, or bottled water. No indoor seating – carryout only.
Tucked away in a small building that looks more like a cozy one-story home than a restaurant, La Birria Loca might not catch your eye at first. But do not let the modest exterior fool you – this place packs serious flavor.
Located at 27W570 High Lake Road in Winfield, La Birria Loca specializes in birria, a traditional Mexican dish that has exploded in popularity in recent years. Though birria was originally made with goat, the restaurant uses grass-fed, hormone-free beef for a modern twist on this flavorful favorite. From tacos to burritos, quesadillas to Mexican pizza, every item on the menu incorporates this juicy, slow-cooked meat.
I first tried La Birria Loca with my friend Donovan. He was not hungry, so he stayed in the car – but the moment I stepped inside, I knew I had made the right choice. The smell of seasoned beef and sautéed onions hit me immediately, followed by the sound of upbeat traditional Mexican music playing over the speakers. The vibe was unlike anything I had experienced at a taco place before. The walls are covered in surreal decorations – melting clocks, spiky black textures, and even artwork featuring hallucinating goats. It is weird in the best way.
Because it was a Thursday night, the place was quiet, and the staff greeted me warmly right as I walked in. There is no indoor seating – La Birria Loca is strictly takeout – but the service is fast and friendly. My order was ready in about five minutes, and I brought it back to the car to eat with Donovan.
The quesabirria combo is a must-try: a large flour tortilla stuffed with melted cheese and tender birria, served with consommé for dipping. The consommé is what makes it – rich, savory, slightly spicy, and the perfect match for the tacos’ crispy edges and juicy filling. I always ask for extra onions, cilantro, and the #13 salsa, which brings the heat but doesn’t overpower the flavor.
On another visit, I tried the SuperBeef Burrito, which is massive and loaded with birria, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and more. It is messy, satisfying, and definitely shareable. For dessert, the Triple Chocolate Tres Leches Cake is a chocolate lover’s dream – decadent, sweet, and topped with whipped cream and ganache.
La Birria Loca opened in November 2022, and it is a true family operation. According to their website, the owners grew up eating birria made by their grandmother and aunts, and now their father – who has over 30 years of culinary experience – serves as the head chef.
It shows. Every bite feels like it was made with care, and the staff genuinely enjoy chatting with customers about food, music, and life in general. Their passion for birria is contagious.
Whether you are a taco aficionado or just looking for a new local spot to try, La Birria Loca is worth a visit. It is more than just good food – it is a vibe.
