La Cocina (CLOSED)

There are lunch cravings that often lead us to the fancy Niman Ranch carnitas at mega-chain Chipotle, but when we’re in the mood for old-fashioned taqueria grub, we head here. The lard-rich refried beans and red rice are definitely standard, and the line is often long, but a few bites of classics like ground beef–stuffed flautas, chorizo and potato gorditas and juicy steak tacos in soft, warm tortillas remind us why these places are so ubiquitous in Chicago. Grab a slice of choco-flan before heading back to the office for that 3pm sugar fix.