Taco Fever at The Taco Joint (River North, Chicago, IL)

So there’s this cool taco joint (actually 2 locations) in Chicago, IL aptly named The Taco Joint (yes, that’s the name).  One is in the River North area of the city and the other is in Lincoln Park.  The River North location (which we visited) is at 158 W. Ontario.  Walking into the joint, you are immediately drawn by the bright and airy space with high ceilings and bold primary colored walls painted in purple, green, and orange.  The bar runs the length of the far wall and features shelves and shelves of top notch tequilas.  The industrial-designed space is filled with mainly tall communal tables flanked with bar stools and has an open patio in front.  There are also a few booths along the wall opposite the bar.

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In honor of their Margarita Monday, I ordered the $5 Zocalo margarita on the rocks (they offer their margaritas frozen as well) made with El Jimador Blanco Tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice.  It was crisp, refreshing, and strong!   On Margarita Mondays, they also feature $6 tropical margaritas.  20130722_160228

Other drink specials during the week include:

  • “Take Flight Tuesday” Taco Flight for $9 Barbacoa – Cochinita – Al Pastor – Estilo Baja
    Herradura Tequila Flight for $10 Blanco – Reposado – Anejo
  • “Whiskey Wednesday” $3 Whiskey Shots & $5 Mules  – Heaven Hill – Old Overholt
  • “Tequila! Thursdays” Half Off All Tequilas (*Excludes flights & bottles).

The Taco Joint has damn good food and awesome food specials as well.  At the River North location, they offer 3 tacos for $5 from 3-5pm daily.  I ordered the traditional guac por uno for $4 to start and three tacos.  SAM_2510

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The Tinga Taco (chipotle spiked stewed chicken with red cabbage and “guac-salsa”) was savory and spicy and the chicken was amazingly tender.  The Estilo Baja fish taco (Victoria beer batter tilapia garnished with creamy-arbol slaw) was a bit over battered, but the fish was flaky and tasty inside and a great contrast to the cool, crunchy slaw.  Finally, the Cochinita Taco (Yucatan style pulled pork garnished with pickled red onions and spicy habanero salsa) was scrumptious!!  It had definite heat, but a warm delicious, smooth finish.

SAM_2519If you are in Chicago and want some great cocktails and Mexican fare, check out The Taco Joint!

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