Angel Serna
Google
Just wrapped up my first visit to Bartaco in Wicker Park, and I have to say, it was a refreshingly elevated taco experience that hit all the right notes.
From the moment I walked in, I was warmly greeted by Matty, who set the tone with great energy and professionalism. I chose to sit at the bar, where I had the pleasure of being taken care of by Grace, a kind and attentive bartender with a talent for crafting balanced and creative drinks.
Grace introduced me to two of their house-made agua frescas/mocktails, which were absolute standouts.
First up, the Honeydew, a beautifully blended combination of fresh honeydew, coconut water, rosemary, and lime. The drink was subtly sweet, herbaceous, and cooling, perfectly refreshing for a midday break.
She followed that with the Grapefruit Ginger, made with fresh grapefruit juice, muddled ginger, and lime. It had a vibrant zing and just enough citrus bite to awaken the palate without overpowering it. Both drinks were not only refreshing but showed restraint and complexity in their flavors, hallmarks of a well-developed mocktail program.
Now onto the food,
I started with the Retro Pork Pastor taco, a delicious nod to traditional al pastor, but with a slight modern twist. The pork was marinated just right, tender, juicy, and packed with warm, smoky spice. It tasted fresh off the plancha and was layered with flavor.
Next came the Chile-Lime Shrimp taco, which brought some welcomed heat and tang. The shrimp had a good sear and snap to them, and the chile-lime seasoning added a bold punch that paired effortlessly with my citrus-forward mocktail.
Then came the showstopper for me, the Ahi Tuna Tatako, served on a bibb lettuce wrap. Light, clean, and beautifully composed, the tuna was perfectly seared with a delicate crust, and the overall flavor profile was bright and umami-rich. I loved it so much I ordered a second one on the spot, no regrets.
Lastly, I tried the Mushroom taco, and honestly, I didn’t expect it to be such a strong contender. The earthy mushrooms were elevated by a luxurious poblano sauce, creamy, slightly smoky, and aromatic. It was comforting and flavorful without being heavy. If I hadn’t been so full, I absolutely would’ve ordered another.
Between the vibrant flavors, excellent service, and stylish, coastal atmosphere, Bartaco is a welcome addition to the Chicago taco scene. I’m definitely planning to return, and next time, I’m bringing friends.