Takito Street (2423 N. Lincoln Ave.; takitostreet.com ) is the third in the Takito line of restaurants (along with Takito Kitchen and Bar Takito)a string of restaurants offering playful vibes, fresh fruit margaritas and Mexican cuisine.
Takito Kitchen offered modern Mexican items such as Three Sisters polenta, shrimp ceviche, chipotle margaritas and pork-belly tacos. Bar Takito offered similar compelling fare but had its own memorable decor, thanks to the omnipresent typewritersa take on Takito Kitchen's photographs.
So what does Takito Street offer? Decor-wise, there are festive colors and offbeat signs (such as "Education is important. Tacos is importanter"a probable nod to the fact that the restaurant is a stone's throw from DePaul University's Lincoln Park campus).
Food and drink options are pretty similar to the other two spots. Things started very well, as my dining companion ordered a pineapple-serrano margarita (a drink that had her saying "Wow" after every sipbecause of the serrano's kick and the cocktail's strength) while I had a very refreshing strawberry agua fresca. (However, in all honesty, I chose that drink after being informed the place didn't serve horchatasa Mexican restaurant staple.)
Appetizers were similarly impressive. The traditional guacamole is among the best I've hadtasty while being simultaneously chunky and creamy. The esquites (roasted corn with butter, lime, queso fresco and chili powder) had my friend going back for secondsand thirds. Even the standard chips-and-salsa combo seemed a little elevated, thanks to the flavorful and chunky salsa.
However, our paths diverged regarding entrees. I thoroughly enjoyed my al pastor tacos with grilled pineapple and morita sauce (that had just the right amount of heat); however, my friend wasn't so thrilled with her crispy-fish tacos, saying they weren't seasoned enough. I also really liked the salmon Veracruz, prepared with capers and tomatoes. Dessert ended on a high note, with my friend delightedly sipping her abuelita hot chocolate while I had an unconventional-looking tiramisu.
Takito Street is a paean to Mexican street foodone that you'll enjoy. My only request is that horchatas find their way onto the menu.
Note: COVID-related protocols include servers with masks, and there is a face-mask requirement upon entry. Also, there are QR-code menus. Some other protocols have been relaxed, although the spot is adhering to the current capacity requirements.