
5

"Backed by a $27.5 million investment from Enlightened Hospitality and founded by Dario Wolos after starting as a Volkswagen ‘combi’ taco van in the Yucatán, this casual West Loop outpost combines ambitious expansion plans with a thoughtfully designed space featuring hand-painted signage, lots of plants, a host stand and a visible trompo. The menu centers on regional Mexican offerings: a hulking marinated pork trompo for al pastor tacos and quesadillas, Baja-style fried fish, quesabirria, a black bean and sweet potato option, and all-day breakfast tacos such as al pastor with egg. Customers can see agua frescas behind the counter, and agave-based cocktails like margaritas are popular during happy hour; chips (labeled totopos, sometimes called tortilla chips in small print) are charged rather than complimentary. While the operation’s flexibility and quick-service elements may recall fast-casual assembly lines, the intent is to showcase regional Mexican foods with city-specific menus and a more casual dining experience in Chicago (open daily 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.)." - Ashok Selvam