Note: Bar Takito is currently participating in and is among our top 15 restaurants to try during Restaurant Week, ending February 12th. Here our Man About Town reviews their new brunch menu, unveiled January 24th.
The idea for Bar Takito (West Loop) was sparked by the booming success of Takito Kitchen (Wicker Park). Unlike its more modest sister, however, Bar Takito has its eyes on the big prize – becoming a real player on the Chicago restaurant scene in one of the city’s most foodie flooded neighborhoods. To that end, they’re offering a unique translation of familiar Latin dishes with large plates that are meant to be shared and boozy cocktails, thoughtfully crafted and also inspired by traditional recipes.
I stopped by last Saturday morning to try their newly launched brunch menu. No matter the time of day, you can never have too many mimosas, right? Right. Let’s get into it!
“The combination of chorizo, potatoes, spices, and cilantro on tortilla goodness is definitely on my list of favorites to order again!”
Restaurant co-owner Mario Ponce & Chef David Dworshak’s success stems from their ability to differentiate Bar Takito from the “traditional” Mexican restaurant template (so no piñatas!). Instead, they focus on Mexican/Latin American cuisine in a contemporary urban environment. The space, previously occupied by Kabocha, was completely gutted and made anew with a more modern, eclectic feel for Bar Takito.
I tried what have thus far been their most popular brunch dishes, Pozole (pork & hominy soup) and Coctel de Camarones (a spicy shrimp cocktail).
They also have something called “breakfast tacos”. I am ashamed to admit that in all my years of eating I had never heard of such a concept. The combination of chorizo, potatoes, spices, and cilantro on tortilla goodness is definitely on my list of favorites to order again! I’ll be coming back soon for this one. (Kari Edit: This is pure, unfiltered, unadulterated ridiculousness. How have you never “in all your years of eating” heard of a breakfast taco, Terence?! Just ridiculous.)
What: Brunch with a modern Latin twist, featuring Pozole, Coctel de Camarones, and Breakfast Tacos.
Where: Bar Takito (West Loop), 201 N. Morgan Street
When: 10 am – 3 pm, Saturday and Sunday
TIP: Try the breakfast tacos! For anything else, trust the wait staff’s suggestions.
Bar Takito is conveniently located next to the Morgan Green Line CTA stop on Lake Street, perfectly situated between the hustle and bustle of what is known as “restaurant row” on Randolph and the industrial meat packing establishments on Fulton Market. If you’re looking for a place for brunch with a warm, welcoming atmosphere along with friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating staff, definitely check out Bar Takito and trust the wait staff’s suggestions!
MAN ABOUT TOWN (MAT) RATING, OUT OF 5 MANHATTANS
Images: Chicagoings’ own and photos courtesy of Bar Takito