If you happen to’ve lived in Chicago lengthy sufficient, likelihood is you’ve been to at the very least one (or all!) of Takito Restaurant’s ideas. There’s Bar Takito, a vigorous, Latin-based outpost that mirrors the bustling ambiance of the West Loop outdoors. There may be additionally Takito Avenue, a laidback however playful Mexican road meals joint serving the varied demographic of the Lincoln Park neighborhood. After which there may be Takito Kitchen, a vibrant mix of each ideas, housed in fairly a historic area on the southern border of Wicker Park.
For these of you that love Chicago’s architectural historical past, the constructing that Takito Kitchen calls dwelling has acquired a narrative for you! Inbuilt 1922, the constructing was host to a producing firm that made bicycle elements. Over time, the encompassing neighborhood fell sufferer to the woes of the Nice Despair, inflicting the constructing to take a seat vacant till it was reworked right into a drive through automobile wash. Because the years went on into the Nineteen Sixties and Nineteen Seventies, the constructing once more turned vacant till a bunch utilized it and the adjoining alley as an enclosed hookah lounge. As soon as the lounge closed its doorways, the area lastly realized its destiny as a restaurant when a younger Chef Yanitzin (Yanni) Sanchez arrived from Mexico and opened Sabor Savuer, that includes Mexican-French delicacies in an upscale atmosphere. Quick ahead to 2012, Mario Ponce, took over the lease and invited Chef Yanni to work on the creation of his trendy Mexican idea, Takito Kitchen.
Constructing on the distinctive historical past of the area and the lengthy custom of Mexican delicacies, Ponce and Chef Sanchez created basic taco choices, including elevated, trendy twists. With menu mainstays and the occasional stylish additions, there’s a taco for everybody. However first, appetizers!
For starters, although it’s possible you’ll be tempted to strive all of them, we advocate the standard Avocado Guacamole. Recent avocado is mashed into an excellent chunky texture and topped with an equally contemporary pico de gallo plus jalapeño for a delicate kick of warmth. Typically you’ll be able to’t go unsuitable with the classics!
Every time I see queso on the menu, I are likely to order it instantly. Takito Kitchen’s take arrives to the desk actually on hearth! Beneath the flaming theatrics rests a effervescent pan of chihuahua and manchego cheeses infused with a contact of tequila, a lot of garlic and earthy mushrooms, including an umami bomb to the palate.
Takito Kitchen’s tacos come two per order nonetheless we encourage visitors to strive a number of choices like certainly one of their latest menu additions – the Lobster Taco, a uniquely wealthy indulgence full with two decadent sauces: a peppery romesco and quintessential buerre blanc.
One other new addition to Takito Kitchen’s choices is the vegetarian pleasant Elote and Poblano Taco – a enjoyable collaboration of two signature Mexican dishes. That includes a rice flour-breaded and fried poblano pepper, this delicate 2-biter is seasoned with components of typical elote components and topped with crunchy kernels of freeze-dried corn.
The fan-favorite Crispy Fish taco impresses given the scale of the tortilla-surrounded filet. Dusted with a hailstorm of toasted coconut, the fish is gentle and crispy however may benefit from a sauce or salsa so as to add extra depth.
Protecting on the surf aspect, the Shrimp Taco is our favourite off the menu. The strawberry pico de gallo is what units this taco other than the remainder – a welcome trace of sweetness amongst every savory mouthful.
Launched in October throughout all Takito Restaurant menus, the Steak and Potato taco incorporates a juicy steak topped with a potato terrine that’s crispy on the surface and comfortable on the within and a comfortable guacamole butter.
Takito Kitchen’s proprietor, Mario, is keen on the Lamb Merguez taco and we’re too! Whereas the one strip of lamb is seasoned and cooked to perfection, the tomatillo pistachio salsa on prime shows a wealthy and nutty texture with pops of vibrant, acidic notes.
Another excuse to swing by Takito Kitchen on Wednesday? Their Crispy Hen Taco particular – a fantastically fried hen breast adorned with a colourful grilled pineapple slaw and a dollop of home made, mayo-less chipotle aioli.
Add a scrumptious aspect of Cilantro Rice to pair together with your taco picks! Count on a vibrant zucchini slaw that lends a refreshing crunch to every chunk.
Refresh your palate with any of Takito Kitchen’s tequila- and/or mezcal- based mostly cocktails. We significantly love the signature Coconut Margarita that even coconut-haters like me can get pleasure from; the Mezcal-Lychee, a simple sipper with a splash of lime juice; and the Takito Margarita, it doesn’t get any extra basic than a home marg!
Takito Kitchen is positioned at 2013 W Division Avenue in Wicker Park. They open at 5pm, Tuesday by way of Friday and 11am on the weekends. They’re closed on Mondays.
