Saucy Porka South Loop

Asian fusion restaurant · Loop

Saucy Porka South Loop

Asian fusion restaurant · Loop

2

335 S Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60606

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Saucy Porka South Loop by null
Saucy Porka South Loop by null
Saucy Porka South Loop by null
Saucy Porka South Loop by null
Saucy Porka South Loop by null
Saucy Porka South Loop by null
Saucy Porka South Loop by null
Saucy Porka South Loop by null
Saucy Porka South Loop by null
Saucy Porka South Loop by null
Saucy Porka South Loop by null
Saucy Porka South Loop by null
Saucy Porka South Loop by null
Saucy Porka South Loop by null
Saucy Porka South Loop by null
Saucy Porka South Loop by null
Saucy Porka South Loop by null
Saucy Porka South Loop by null
Saucy Porka South Loop by null
Saucy Porka South Loop by null
Saucy Porka South Loop by null
Saucy Porka South Loop by null
Saucy Porka South Loop by null
Saucy Porka South Loop by null
Saucy Porka South Loop by null
Saucy Porka South Loop by null
Saucy Porka South Loop by null
Saucy Porka South Loop by null
Saucy Porka South Loop by null
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Highlights

Creative Asian-Latin fusion bites like chorizo egg rolls & bao tacos  

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335 S Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60606 Get directions

saucyporka.com

$10–20 · Menu

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335 S Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60606 Get directions

+1 312 285 2303
saucyporka.com

$10–20 · Menu

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Aug 8, 2025

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20 Excellent Lunch Options in Downtown Chicago - Eater Chicago

"The creative mash-ups at this Asian-Latin spot won’t be replicated anywhere else. Chef Rafael Lopez crafts fusion bites like chorizo egg rolls, “bacos” (bao tacos), Cuban banh mi, and Asian-style paella." - Jeffy Mai

https://chicago.eater.com/maps/best-lunch-options-downtown-chicago-map
View Postcard for Saucy Porka South Loop
@eater

SX Sky Lounge, a swanky two-floor bar with views, is coming to the South Loop - Eater Chicago

"A six-year-old fast-casual fusion restaurant now combined with sister restaurant Spotted Monkey, offering the best of both menus." - Daniel Gerzina

https://chicago.eater.com/2019/2/11/18220218/sx-sky-bar-bi-level-lounge-essex-south-loop-black-restaurant-week-chicago-intel
View Postcard for Saucy Porka South Loop

Ella Seuberling

Google
hole in the wall banh mi + vietnamese restaurant, decent prices for sandwiches (around $12-15 depending on the meat you choose). some fun drink options and sides to choose from. there’s space for seating inside and the service was fast! would definitely recommend for a quick lunch if you’re walking around the city

Full send Disrespect

Google
Very good i was super impressed the flavors all blend together beautifully deffinetly will be bringing my people here :) thank you!

Mona

Google
Saucy Porka is a solid lunch / takeout spot in the Loop for creative Vietnamese & Latin American fusion. Though overall, it’s a bit pricey for the portions (which aren’t that large), it offers pretty fair and standard prices for the Loop area. As for Banh mis, so far I’ve tried the Ropa Vieja Beef Banh Mi, Cheesy Buddha Banh Mi, Soy Ginger Tofu Banh Mi. The banh mis are creative and unique, but tasted pretty average overall. The Ropa Vieja Beef was very flavorful with the meat seasoning and kimchi flavor combo, but the beef was a little dry and the sandwich itself was really soggy. The Cheesy Buddha and Soy Ginger Tofu banh mis were both pretty solid, but neither really stood out for me. I also tried the Tofu, Duck, and Grilled Shrimp Bacos. The tofu baco tasted pretty standard. The duck baco was good, but a bit lacking in flavor, unfortunately. The grilled shrimp taco was my favorite, pairing very well with the sauce and corn toppings for a nice tangy flavor. I’ve both gotten takeout and dined in here. It’s very casual and you sit wherever there’s space. The takeout orders are usually filled pretty fast and wrapped nicely. — Price (relative to peers): 4.1/5 Food: 4.1/5 Ambience: N/A Service: N/A Overall Value: 4.1/5

Tasia Stockstill

Google
Everything we had was yummy! Quick service. Good prices.

Jacqueline T

Google
Saucy Porka was featured on Check Please! I was in the neighborhood, it was on my list of Must Try’s. Per the recommendation of one of the staff, I ordered the Shrimp Baco and Guajillo Pork Baco. It was just under $10 (tax included) for the two—-a little pricey IMHO; factoring in the location, it’s understandable. —Staff were friendly ⭐️x5 —Food: Shrimp ⭐️x5 Pork ⭐️x4.5 —Atmosphere: cute, the back area was visible ⭐️x3.5 —Price: 💲💲💲 I will be back to work my way down the menu.

Ella Lin

Google
stopped in here for a team lunch at noon and was super impressed with the food and service! they were very busy but somehow food came out very quickly and was DELICIOUS (waited < 10 mins for 7 distinct orders). i had the puerto rican rice with beef + egg and highly recommend the combo! i devoured the entire bowl in one sitting. my colleagues did the same with their respective orders, and we all ordered different items so it seems you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. will definitely be coming back here again for lunch!

Jesus Popoca

Google
Four of us headed out here to lunch on a Tuesday afternoon with around 11:15 and it seemed to be getting busy, but service was pretty fast. Walking in you can smell how amazing you food is about to be. Being my first time, I wanted to try a Chorizo Eggroll, Al Pastor Bacos, and The Cheesy Buddha sandwhich. Total was under $20 and nothing disappointed! This is definitely more food than anyone needs but it's worth trying a little bit of everything. The vegetarian sandwhich absolutely hit the spot with all the amazing flavors that was also filling. And the Al Pastor with the small pieces of pineapple were fantastically seasoned. Everyone in the group agreed this is a great loop lunch spot. Can't wait to head out here again.

Quinn Taylor

Google
Saucy Porka in the South Loop is a gem for fusion food lovers. I tried the Ropa Vieja Beef Banh Mi, tender beef with a kick of kimchi on a fresh baguette. Added a Chorizo Egg Roll on the side. The Funky Monkey Fries were a standout, seasoned fries loaded with beef, cheese, and jalapeño aioli. The place has a chill vibe, and service was quick. Spent around $24. Definitely coming back for more.

Carla P.

Yelp
I gave eaten at the Saucy Porka several times, but never have I tried the chorizo egg rolls. Let's just say I felt like I was eating food for the gods. . . So darned good!!!
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Richard A.

Yelp
Saucy Porka: A Fusion Feast for the Senses in Chicago Saucy Porka, a gem in the heart of Chicago, offers a culinary experience like no other with its unique Asian-Latin fusion cuisine. Since its inception in 2013, this restaurant has been serving dishes that tantalize the taste buds and feed the soul with their incredible flavors and innovative combinations. When you first hear about the ingredient pairings, you might find yourself a bit puzzled. But once you taste the food, any skepticism will be replaced by sheer delight. The explosion of flavors is something you have to experience to believe. On my recent visit, I indulged in the crowd-favorite chorizo egg rolls, which were an absolute revelation. Each bite was a perfect harmony of Asian and Latin flavors. Accompanying this was the pozole soup, a dish that was both comforting and packed with layers of flavor. The cleanliness of Saucy Porka is noteworthy. The restaurant is well-maintained, creating a welcoming and pleasant dining environment. This aspect, often overlooked, speaks volumes about their commitment to providing a top-notch experience for their patrons. The staff at Saucy Porka adds to the charm of the place. Their friendliness and efficiency make you feel right at home, and their passion for the food they serve is evident. The service is not just speedy; it's done with a smile and a genuine desire to please. One thing is clear: the food at Saucy Porka is made with love and care. This is reflected in the quality and taste of every dish that comes out of the kitchen. It's a place where culinary creativity shines, and traditional boundaries of cuisine are joyously crossed. In conclusion, Saucy Porka in Chicago is a must-visit for anyone craving a meal that is as soul-satisfying as it is delicious. Whether you're a fan of Asian cuisine, Latin flavors, or just looking for something new and exciting, this restaurant will not disappoint. The combination of fantastic food, a clean and inviting atmosphere, and wonderful staff makes for an unforgettable dining experience.
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Dennis W.

Yelp
It's very average food. They have quite a few options here but none really stand out. Quality- the egg rolls and fries here are quite oily and lack any crunch. The sauce is a nice touch but it just adds to how watery it is. The rice bowl with pork is too dry. The pork belly is overcooked and the rice is undercooked. I can feel how tough it is to bit into. Quantity- an ok amount comes out for the price especially on the fries. Atmosphere- nice quaint restaurant with limited seating. Overall clean. Service- pretty fast
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Jessica L.

Yelp
As a Vietnamese Texan native, I'm pretty familiar with Hispanic and Asian flavors, so when I first heard of this place, I was definitely excited to try it out. My boyfriend and I tried the Paella, and the Chicken, Beef, and Pork Bacos. I wish the rice texture on the paella was a little stickier and softer, but the overall flavor was decent. It wasn't knock my socks off, but it was a fairly enjoyable meal. If the rice was a little stickier and softer, I would've rated it 4/5 for the dish. For the Bacos, the baos got extremely soggy holding all of the sauce and meat. The beef back had kimchi on it, and the kimchi tasted old/low quality. My boyfriend tried some of my bacos, and thought the place would taste better if it was strictly Hispanic flavors rather than fusion. Overall, the bacos had decent flavor, but the texture of the baos brought down the experience.
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Allyson U.

Yelp
We had a craving and searched because we were craving Jibaritos. In our search, saw somewhere (I forgot and cannot recall) that this place came recommended and it suggested they had fusion-y Jibaritos. When we read about this place and it sounded great; however, at this time, there were no Jibaritos. We order the Puerto Rican Rice Bowl and the Cubahn Mi. Both items were tasty; however, we didn't like them enough to be super enthusiastic about this place. Both items had flavor and a mixture of textures; however, they both felt heavy and one-note. I think both dishes could have benefited from something pickled/some acid. While the food was ok, the service was friendly and prices are reasonable. The interior was clean and there were cute decorative touches.
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Mona T.

Yelp
Saucy Porka is a solid lunch / takeout spot in the Loop for creative Vietnamese & Latin American fusion. Though overall, it's a bit pricey for the portions (which aren't that large), it offers pretty fair and standard prices for the Loop area. As for Banh mis, so far I've tried the Ropa Vieja Beef Banh Mi, Cheesy Buddha Banh Mi, Soy Ginger Tofu Banh Mi. The banh mis are creative and unique, but tasted pretty average overall. The Ropa Vieja Beef was very flavorful with the meat seasoning and kimchi flavor combo, but the beef was a little dry and the sandwich itself was really soggy. The Cheesy Buddha and Soy Ginger Tofu banh mis were both pretty solid, but neither really stood out for me. I also tried the Tofu, Duck, and Grilled Shrimp Bacos. The tofu baco tasted pretty standard. The duck baco was good, but a bit lacking in flavor, unfortunately. The grilled shrimp taco was my favorite, pairing very well with the sauce and corn toppings for a nice tangy flavor. I've both gotten takeout and dined in here. It's very casual and you sit wherever there's space. The takeout orders are usually filled pretty fast and wrapped nicely. -- Price (relative to peers): 4.1/5 Food: 4.1/5 Ambience: N/A Service: N/A Overall Value: 4.1/5
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Tammi W.

Yelp
In Chicago for two days. Hit Saucy Porka first. I had the Asian Paella and he had a Saucy Porka Banh Mi sandwich and we split an order of Da Funky Monkey Fries. Was quite yummy! Not disappointed with our first pick in the Windy City!
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Miriam W.

Yelp
Yum! This little place is serving up some very tasty grub. The Shrimp Po' Mi, a kind of fusiony po boy, was calling my name; I chose the grilled shrimp and, with the Asian slaw and chipotle mayo, it all came together nicely. I would get that sammie again. We shared the sweet potato fries, and those were great too. I don't usually like stuff on my fries, but the sauce, cheese and scallions really did enhance these crispy morsels. I tried a bite of my husband's guajillo pork bahn mi, and that is something I would order. Everything I ate was really good, maybe cravably so. This place has a great menu, with soups, rice bowls, sandwiches and salads to choose from. I'll most definitely return.
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Mafio F.

Yelp
So much fun! Music is blasting and the food is one delicious bite after another. We sampled the many kinds of bacos and split a chorizo egg roll, washing it all down with some Vietnamese coffee. Really enjoyed the different baco combinations, especially the pork / pineapple and the curried duck.
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Jocelyn H.

Yelp
Saucy Porka is one of my favorite catering options in the Hyde Park/UChicago area. I've only ever tried their food when it is catered but I can say that it is the best. If you want to get catering, order the Panang Curry Chicken Tray, Puerto Rican Rice (gluten, dairy, nut free), vegetable and/or Picadillo beef egg rolls, and their soy ginger tofu tray (vegan, DF, SF, NF). The staff is super friendly and fast to respond. Puerto Rican rice is my favorite especially when you mix in the sauce from the soy ginger tofu and the Panang curry chicken.
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Caleb J.

Yelp
Had a team lunch with this brought in today. I thought it would be a great choice as everyone is a fan of Thai food here. I was very surprised with the spicy rice, and the jalapeño aioli! Very delicious, and it paired well with the chicken egg rolls. Next time I would like to try more from the menu, and even try some more meals besides primarily the sides. Tons of flavor, and it seemed like a nice, cozy restaurant. We got our order fairly fast as well.
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Kevin N.

Yelp
Modern fusion Asian-Latin lunch spot in West Loop that was highly recommended to me by multiple people over time. Given that reputation, I had no other choice but to try it. ATMOSPHERE/ARCHITECTURE: 8/10 Definitely a modern feel making for a good lunch spot with coworkers. A lot of wood trim and natural light makes it homey. Seats 20-30 inside and seems to have a very robust take-out/carry-out business. SERVICE: 9/10 Food was prepared very quickly and packaged nicely. Staff was friendly and helpful. FOOD: 6/10 Funky Monkey Fries - 6/10 - Crinkle-cut fries with house-made spice mix, topped with picadillo ground beef, chihuahua cheese, jalapeño aioli and scallions which was okay, but disappointing after many glowing recommendations. I thought it was average, and not a dish I would think to come back here for. Asian Paella - 6/10 - Fried rice with Chinese sausage, pork carnitas, and edamame, which again, I felt was just average. There are some fusion dishes that really accentuate and highlight the best of the best between cultures, but this was just a mishmash that was so-so at best. Ropa Vieja Bowl - 7/10 - Ropa Vieja beef brisket slowed cooked in a mild chili-citrus sauce, and served with jasmine coconut rice. I thought the beef within this was pretty good, though the overall dish was again average. I know I had high expectations from recommendations, but I was not that impressed. VALUE: 5/10 Overall expensive for what I found to be average dishes. PROBABILITY OF RETURN: 4/10 There was nothing here that I was wowed by or was exclusive enough that I wanted to return here for. I know a lot of people love this place and maybe I did not try the right menu items, but I was just underwhelmed. Asian-Latin fusion is a bustling motif and a handful of places I have had just do it better...Del Seoul, Seoul Taco, etc. TO EAT OR NOT TO EAT: Average to me. I cannot give a strong recommendation. OVERALL: 6/10
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Jordan H.

Yelp
Their aiolis are addictive. Everything on the menu is a smash, but I especially love the monkey fries & shrimp bacos. My absolute favorite place in South Loop.
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Andrew P.

Yelp
My team met for in office meetings in River North, and had Saucy Porka delivered to us for lunch. Let me tell you, everything that was ordered was delicious! The egg rolls with the accompanying sauce were to die for! I really enjoyed my sandwich as well, and have been dreaming about this food since last having it! What a great option for lunch if you're downtown during the week. Sadly, this location is not open on weekends as I think it mostly caters to the downtown workers during the work week.
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Liz W.

Yelp
Food is tasty, ordering was quick during a busy lunch hour, and my food was ready to be picked up in under 5 mins. I was able to walk from the old post office, to saucy porka, get my food and walk back slowly within 20 mins. Great for a quick lunch break!
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Julia X.

Yelp
Definitely one of my preferred lunch spots - the name is so cute! The food is so flavorful! And, of course, the location is good. I've ordered quite a few things from here, so I'll list them with tiers and brief (I'll try) comments: A - Pork belly baco - loved the flavors and the fattiness of the pork A- - Shrimp baco - a little salty, but good A - Chorizo egg roll - LOVE the avocado aioli it comes with A- - Beef egg roll - the egg roll itself is good, but the aioli is not as spectacular as the avocado one B - Asian paella - really wanted to like this but the meat is just on the top and a little dry, and the rice was also a bit dry and I wished there were other toppings sprinkled throughout. Flavors were fine. B+ - Puerto Rican rice - this was quite good, especially with the curry chicken, but again I wish there were other toppings and after a while seems pretty rice-heavy. C - Beef baco - compared to the other two I've tried (pork and shrimp) this one was disappointing and the beef was very dry C - Duck gumbo - a bit flavorless compared to other gumbos I've had, and the duck meat was on the drier side. For some reason this came with a takeout container of rice that was ~1/5 full. V sad. C+ - Shrimp banh mi - this was fine but flavor-wise not as interesting as the paella or Puerto Rican rice I'm probably coming across as a lame-o, strict teacher, but overall I enjoy ordering from Saucy Porka and hope to try even more of their menu soon! Portions are on the smaller side, but the flavors much bigger than your usual lunch place.
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Ellie D.

Yelp
Love this spot! Such a unique menu and never disappoints. I have always ordered delivery to my office for lunch, but the location in the loop is great for a quick lunch break. The "bacos" are so my favorite. Take a traditional taco like ropa viejo or guaillo pork, and a delicious spongy steamed bao bun and you end up with a crazy, delicious, one of a kind meal!
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Mark H.

Yelp
Great for a reasonable lunch! Asian - latin fusion... interesting! We tried the Zen Salad, Chorizo Rolls, Saucy Porka Banh Mi, Asian Paella and the Pork Ramen Soup. The rolls were solid. Flaky texture a la emperor rolls. Their Asian Paella didn't strike me as a paella. I would call it a carnitas rice bowl. Their carnitas were delish. I could def order this again! Wifey loved the Pork Ramen Soup. She thinks other Viets would love it as well! I tasted the broth, I would liken it closer to viet bun bo hue rather than a japanese ramen. Their Saucy Pork Banh Mi was OK--actually was on the bland side. But when I dipped the sandwich into the ramen broth then it became a winner! By itself, I would definitely pass on this banh mi. The kimchi that topped the banh mi tasted like nonkoreans made it in a factory - not very good. Huge downgrade on the sandwich. Although not perfect, I still rate this place 5 big yelp stars! Think it was their carnitas... =D
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Ian H.

Yelp
Saucy Porka has been a favorite lunch spot in the Loop since I first discovered it personally when a coworker took me there. Since COVID, I have been working from home most of the past two years, but every single time I have gone into the office, I always get my lunch from Saucy Porka. As a plant-based eater, I appreciate that they have everything clearly labeled on their menu--from gluten free to vegetarian to vegan. They also have an entire vegan section when you order online that ensures you're getting exactly what's you want and not needing to make a bunch of modifications. My go-to order is the tofu bahn mi with soy ginger sauce, but every time I order it, my coworkers also rave about the Bacos (bao bun tacos), as well. The bahn mi comes with a side of chips, making the order perfect for lunch, but last time I got tostones as an appetizer and those were fantastic, too! I also like that I'm supporting their business rather than the big chains that are otherwise around.

T D.

Yelp
Terrible, don't waste your money or your time. If I could give this place a 0. I would. The people are very friendly and nice. But the food terrible. Good luck, you're going to need it.

Cherie C.

Yelp
I've been coming here for lunch ever since they were still called Spotted Monkey a few years back. Their food is consistently good and always quick service for pick up. I don't recall ever waiting longer than 15 mins for my order. Such a convenient and affordable spot in the Loop. My favorites are their shrimp bacos and the picadillo roll (that chipotle aioli sauce is perfection). I've tried their Nutella mini donuts for the first time today and they're such a delightful treat.
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Bailey P.

Yelp
$16 (including the 10% tip, but still) for a soggy sandwich the size of my hand. Prices aren't provided on the menu above the counter, even though it's one of those types of menus that can easily be edited. That's all.
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Becky S.

Yelp
Yum. Bao bun taco. Need I say more?! I only got one and I wish I had gotten one of each. I had the chicken baco. A good amount of meat which doesn't always happen with bao buns and/or tacos. The chicken was topped with a crunchy, delicious Asian slaw and some kind of crack sauce. Flavorful, not too spicy, had a little kick. The bao bun itself was superb. Pillowy perfection. I also ordered the Zen Salad and topped it with the ropa vieja. Good dressing, nice combo of carrots, corn and edamame on top of romaine and the beef was cooked really well - tender and juicy. I ordered takeout and my food was ready in less than five minutes. They also have a few tables if you'd like to dine in. Go. Eat bao bun tacos. Be happy.

Matthew S.

Yelp
Great food. Must try it. They are uniquely excellent , definitely not like the same old same old. If you want good food, this is the place. I especially get tired of the billions of restaurants and pubs serving burgers, this place serves unique items.
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Eddie C.

Yelp
Quick review: Cheap, quick, delicious. That's really all you need to know. A little more: Anytime I come across an Asian-Latin fusion spot, I always make it point to try it out, and this place did not disappoint, The menu consists of salads, soups, rice dishes, sandwiches, and bacos (Bao + Taco). The last item is pure genius: more on that later. The place is kind of small, but it's efficient. Here, you place your order at the counter, and they'll either bring your food to you, or you can take it to go. Once I placed my order, my food was on my table in less than five minutes. 5 stars for quick service and efficiency. Food: There were many items that I wanted to try, but I settled on trying three different "bacos". One gaujillo pork, one Panang curry chicken, and a guajillo shrimp. The shrimp was the best and full of flavor. The chicken was my least favorite, but it was still relatively good. The steamed buns did a nice job of holding everything together and had a nice texture. 5 stars. Price: Situated in downtown Chicago, this place is hard to beat for the price. 5 stars. Conclusion: for a quick, well-priced, and delicious meal, you should definitely give this spot a shot.
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Jenna C.

Yelp
So this location used to be called Spotted Monkey - and while the name may have changed, pretty much everything else is the same. It's still my favorite lunch spot in the loop. And through covid-19, I've been able to order delivery to get my fix. I've tried most of the menu, and pretty much everything = a mouth full of happiness. But my go-to items are the bacos and the puerto rican rice bowl with chicken. Oh, and obviously the eggrolls! So yummy, plus everything is reasonably priced (for the loop). Back in the days when I used to dine in, I loved the "hole in the wall" vibe and super friendly/awesome service. ...Basically if you haven't tried Saucy Porka yet, you need to put it at the top of your list.
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Connie F.

Yelp
I got takeout from Saucy Porka so the experience might be different dine-in. Got the small Duck Pho which was pretty good but the portion size was extremely small and everything was stuffed into a small soup container (all the pho toppings/veggie, noodles, soup) instead of separating the noodles from the soup from the veggies that most pho takeout is like. I personally wouldn't get it again. The chorizo egg roll was delicious and the savior of the whole meal. It was crispy, full of flavor and the sauce it came with was to die for!
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Kimberly C.

Yelp
Came here before when it was Spotted Monkey. The SM sign is still up but now Saucy Porka took over! Menu is still great, so let's go straight into what I ate. 3 Bacos: Guajillo shrimp and Guajillo Pork and Ropa Vieja Beef; with a side of the special egg roll! All three were very tasty, packed with so much flavor! Usually restaurants serve two baos as an appetizer, but three of these filled me up well! Oh, if you're not familiar with Bacos, they are a fusion of the Asian Baos (steamed buns) used as the "tortilla" for tacos! Their egg roll is also really outstanding, with a side dipping sauce so addicting to my tastebuds. Overall, I really enjoyed my meal and service is great! Water is conveniently in the front for you to refill which I prefer in most eateries because waiting for water can't get annoying. I anticipate that they will make more changes to the place now that Saucy Porka took over its sister restaurant. I will definitely return, perhaps check the newer location! Special thanks to Justin, cannot forget him, for such a great experience both visits! Love the hard work these guys put into small businesses/hole-in-the-wall gems :)
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Thuy Dan T.

Yelp
Saucy Porkas fusion cuisine is definitely intriguing and has some star players! Very casual dining where you order at the order and there's a few high seats throughout the small space. Food came out very quick so this is a great lunch spot if you're in a hurry too. Bao-cos were yummy and I liked the idea a lot! Also the sweet potato fries were a win for me! The paella was also quite delicious - love the Chinese sausage! The big winners for me was their sauce assortments! The spicy aioli was perfect and the other sauce accompaniments (can't remember all the names) were very good. Be a fusionist yourself and mix some sauces together!
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Boon C.

Yelp
My bookmark got visited on this trip. They has a good line of people during lunch waiting to order. Other Bao, the has Asian bowl selection. The restaurant is located on S. Financial Place. The apple map show wrong location. The yelp page has right location. I got the beef barbacoa, thai chicken, and shrimp Sofrito. This Bao is good for lunch. They are well garnish. The price they charge for each Bao is reasonable. Three Bao are enough for my quick lunch. My wait for the order is good. Enough time to return to work.
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Andy N.

Yelp
Woah, I feel like Saucy Porka took a slice out of my mother's recipe book and made a bowl that reminded me of what I used to eat growing up. That is one compliment I am happy to give this small hub of flavors here in the South Loop. My coworker and I came here for lunch one day after seeing that we had tried a majority of the other Asian restaurants in our area. This spot stood out in my search with its Asian-Latin fusion, so I decided it was wort ha shot. During lunch time, this small restaurant is packed! There is a small dining area with tables for 2-4 people max and a counter where you order from their chalkboard menu above. What was on the menu? Banh mi creations, tacos, bowls, you name it. I was impressed with its variety and the blend of typical comfort food you would find from families under both backgrounds. I decided to try their Asian Style Paella ($12) because it blended together Chinese sausage I grew up eating with carnitas over a bed of rice. While it's certainly not in the traditional sense of a paella, the sheer combination of these ingredients drew me to the bowl. The verdict?- The bowl reminded me of what my Mom used to make me when I was a kid and this pure nostalgia really helped me bring out those tastes. The bowl was a perfect blend of meat and rice and I absolutely loved my meal. Would definitely recommend trying this spot out for anyone interested in fusion cuisine. I am looking forward to returning to test out their tacos in the future.
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Kathy M.

Yelp
Third visit and still loving this place. My fried tofu salad was refreshing. The vinegar dressing they make was very sweet so I only used a little but it was unique and good. The bacos: I think this is a must for anyone who comes here, the beef and shrimp. Their sauces are delish and the fluffy moist little mini bun/ pita - I swear I could eat 20 of them it's so hard when you are done. I think 3-4 is a proper amount- they are small. We also love their sweet Potato fries! Oh and the People working- super patient, and friendly! Bummed I don't have a baco photo, just trust me and get 3-5!
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Marc W.

Yelp
Fantastic flavor packed Asian / Latin American fusion food. I like the Tostones (garlic fried plantains) and the Tofu Banh Mi. The tasty little tofu baos are excellent too. From what my friends who eat meat tell me, everything else on the menu is apparently very good. Beverages are a little over priced IMO and the dining room isn't much, so I usually order to go. But I love the flavors and creativity of these fusion dishes.
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Audrey H.

Yelp
Decided to stop by since I was in the area. Mexi Pho was good but will probably not order it again. The duck baco however was really good and the flavor was spectacular. Really busy restaurant but wait time was not long at all!
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Helen T.

Yelp
Thank you Yelpers! This place was AMAZING!! It's a walk up counter with 9 high bar tables. Shout out to Natalie for helping us Californians order a sampling of the best on their menu. We had pork, curry chicken, beef, tofu Bacos (aka Bao taco), cubano banh mi, chorizo egg rolls, crispy shrimp taco, beignets. Our fav - crispy shrimp (Friday special) - Thai chicken curry, Asian inspired flavors - Cubano, juicy and meaty Service was fast & Natalie really made our experience memorable! Ask for Natalie
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Skittles-Cat W.

Yelp
My favorite lunch spot near Willis Tower in downtown Chicago. You can't go wrong with the Bacos. The buns are soft and fluffy and the fillings are tasty. I always order one each and duck one is hands down the most flavorful. I substituted pork bun with the corn tortilla this time and it went well with the pineapple salsa. Their ramen soup was great too. Will definitely visit here whenever I'm in Chicago.
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Yuko M.

Yelp
Asian/Latin fusion is something I've never tried or seen before, and this was such a great idea. The Chorizo Egg Rolls were the first that I had to get into, and was arguably the best of what I ordered. It's got really tender chorizo shreds, great crunch from the deep-fried shell, and comes with a refreshing aioli-like dip with subtle heat. The Five Spice Duck wasn't very distinctive or interesting in my opinion. If the duck came with any form of five spice, it was overshadowed by the pickled vegetables that were sandwiched in. Da Funky Monkey fries you cannot go wrong with. Thick, soft potato crinkles that make a perfect edible spoon for their delicious dip. The Chorizo Egg Banh Mi is just a number of great tasting ingredients in a hefty baguette. Really hits the spot and is huge for being less than $6. I'm incredibly impressed with the food and the prices at this establishment. Try something new at this humble, unique, and locally-owned business!
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MIlton S.

Yelp
Diners, Drive Inns, and Dives (3D) inspired me to try SP. And SP was an integrated, flavor-amalgamated simple-complex pleasure. Fusion cooking appeals to me because I'm kinda fusion as a person - a blending of many ingredients from many good and bad experiences and aspects of my unique human existence. So what is fusion cooking? "Fusion" is a form of cooking that combines contrasting culinary traditions or techniques into a single dish - Asian and Latin in this case. It does not fit squarely in any one traditional food genre. Let's call it a cross-cultural culinary mash-up, like playing baseball with a tennis racquet, maybe or maybe not. These SP interdisciplinary fuses appealed to my simple but complicated taste buds one day, not knowing where my silly taste buds might lead me tomorrow: -Chorizo Egg Roll Queso fresco cheese, sweet potato, red cabbage, onions, with avocado -Bao Tacos Guajillo Pork topped with pineapple salsa and served on a steamed bao bun -Beef Ropa Vieja With kimchi a served on a steamed bao bun -Five Spice Duck With pickled Asian slaw and plum sauce aioli served on a steamed bao bun Fusion seems so very right to me. It seems to be the recipe for the "bestest"me. "Life is worth living when God throws His divine dice in your favor. He has slow-stirred my life with wisdom and discernment about all manners of people; which is no secret agent in my soul sauce, it brings flavour to the taste buds of God's blessings in my life with extra side orders of favor." ~Tracey Bond
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Ian C.

Yelp
Excellent lunch spot in the Loop. Saucy is a classic hidden gem that is just simple, solid lunch fare. Came in last week for lunch and got two bacos, one with chicken and one with shrimp. Both were excellent! Also got a side of the fried plantains with pineapple salsa, which was excellent!! The quality, the flavors, the zest, everything was great! The staff were super friendly and everyone inside seemed to be having a good time. The mood and atmosphere was fun and light, which always makes people's experience better. Pro tip- the mojito lemonade (which is non-alcholic) is amazing!! Highly recommend this place and I just wish they were open at the end of the day, as I would definitely stop by on the way home.
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Avanti A.

Yelp
I absolutely loved and throughly enjoyed my lunch here. I ended up here on my friend's recommendation. I was going through the menu, reviews and pictures prior placing the order(Used Ritual) and literally drooling inside over the food pictures. I've tried, Panama curry chicken Baco, Panang Curry Tofu and Soy Ginger Tofu. I am not so much into Tofu, overall it tasted Okay. Tofu Bacos tastes better with any side suace(I get sriracha). But the chicken bacon is absolute heaven. I should have ordered just the chicken ones ..lol. I am all in love with the texture of the back bun on how softI also did order the sweet potato fries, they are good too. I just wish I would have gotten the bet out of it if it weren't a to go order. They kind of turned soft in the box. I can't quote much about service and all as I just went and picked up the order. But the lady at the counter spelled out each of us order specifically to make sure we are getting what we ordered so they seem to be pretty good at service too. The ambiance looked cool too. The dine in place isn't that big but it's pretty decent compared to other fast food type dine in places. This place is definitely going into my favorites list.
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Tara Lynn O.

Yelp
Ordered this for a work lunch. Tried an assortment of items - my favorite was the egg rolls & bao buns. I didn't realize the egg roll only came with one, would have ordered more if I knew that. It was so good. The bao buns were also good -- really liked the shrimp one. The tofu one wasn't as good. Also got the paella which was mediocre, would skip that if I came back. It's a little pricy but I think if you stick to the egg rolls and bao buns it's worth it.

F H.

Yelp
Food is super delicious ---egg roll, beef with rice & kimchee, and sweet potato with dipping sauce. The only recommendation I'd like to make is to add quinoa as an option to rice for those who cannot eat rice. It will be a game changer to decide if I plan to return. Some of the best food I've had in a long time. Please consider the quinoa option. Quinoa is gluten free, a super high protein grain and has a slower response to raising blood sugar levels than rice.
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Maggie L.

Yelp
Overall: 3.9/5 Very satisfying quick eat. Came in ~1pm on Tuesday and there was no wait at all. Taste: 4/5. Love the bao instead of a taco. It's fluffy and tasty. Good pickled veggies and meat ratios. Value: 4/5. Very decently priced tacos. They come out at about $3 each. I ordered 3 and was very satisfied. Ambience: 3.8/5 Very chill lunch spot, grab a number after ordering and they will bring the food to you. Very casual place that is quiet enough to talk but has a nice background bustle to it. Service: 3.9/5. Food came out pretty quickly ~5-10 minutes. Ordering process was very straightforward. Definitely is more of a bus yourself kind of place though.
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Sherwin C.

Yelp
Given the unusual and often uninspiring bao fusion combinations I've seen recently -- I was a bit skeptical when I went to saucy porka and saw combinations that could easily be unappetizing if not done correctly. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I tried my first bao tacos here -- since the colors, flavors, and textures were all executed well. The best thing about all the bao is that the ingredients were all fresh and of high quality. Given that these are fairly pricey ($3-$4 after tax) I was glad to know that I was getting my money's worth. The 2nd best thing is that the bao was nice and fluffy -- and fresh enough where you could move ingredients around, grab it, take big bites, and have it maintain its elasticity (think about how a dry tortilla easily flakes and breaks when folded). Of the items I tried, I like the shrimp sofrito the best -- with a generous amount of shrimp and nice strong mix of herbs. The carnitas and the thai chicken curry were almost a tie for me, although I have to give the edge to the chicken for the nice heat that the mixture generated. Overall, worth a visit if you're into bao and want to try something a bit different from normal. Also worth it if you're into tacos and want to try something just a little different.

Laura M.

Yelp
Delicious! Order the duck gumbo, has plenty of yummy duck in it. And those sauces for the egg rolls, sooo good!! I really like the veggie egg roll.
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Nigeria C.

Yelp
Five stars ain't enough stars for the food experience I had here today. I wish there was a picture that I could upload to show you. However, the Chorizo Egg Roll and the Picadillo beef egg roll didn't make it to the photo booth. Talk about love at first bite. Both were so flavorful and each ingredient merged so well. I also got a chance to taste the mini Nutella donuts. They were a perfect dessert, not too sweet at all. Perfectly executed! Last but not least, I got the opportunity to meet Nestor & Marisol. They made me feel like I've known them my whole life. They were so personable, relatable, and just had amazing energy. I could go on and on about the Saucy Porka, but instead I'll just make sure I make it my mission to see them again when I take my lunch on Monday. Lol! Thank you for everything
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Misty S.

Yelp
UGH...it's so disappointing when you look forward to a nice bao all morning and then you open your to-go lunch order bag and see no bao. No bao! One of 2 items missing. I tried to enjoy the paella but utter sadness had taken away my appetite. Followed by a pork canita bao, I bet the paella would have been the bomb, but I'll never know. The restaurant wasn't that busy when I came around 1p. There was only one other person placing their order ahead of me. I ordered 2 items totaling about $16, how hard was it to get that right? I guess it's a good reminder to check my bag before I leave. ....| \ _ , , , - - , , _ , .../ , ` . - ' ` ' . _ \ - ; ; ; , _ ..| , a - ) ) _ . ; . ( ` - ` - ' - ' ' - - - ' ' ( _ / . _ ) - ' ( _ \ _ )
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Kevin L.

Yelp
The food here is a absolutely amazing. The chorizo egg rolls are a must have. The Cuban mi is packed with pork. Best place in the area
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Anais A.

Yelp
Delicious Asian Latin fusion restaurant. Ordered the Asian Paella and Ropa Vieja Sandwich as well as the Chorizo egg rolls. Everything was delicious and the service was good. Glad I was able to check this place out and definitely recommend it to anyone looking to try a family owned, different style of food.
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Christine H.

Yelp
My workplace caters from this place sometimes and I always end up eating cold leftovers as I try to get a bite and taste of this goodness. I finally got a chance to eat the fresh food from here as I came here during my lunch break to celebrate my coworkers' bday. This place gets packed easily during lunchtime and there is not that much seating inside. The orders are fast and you get your food fairly quickly. They don't open on the weekends and they close early at 3pm on weekdays. The opening times here are limited which makes sense why it gets so busy here during lunchtime! I tried many things when I had the cold leftovers at my workplace (mostly the rice and meats). This asian-puerto rican restaurant has delicious food no matter what you pick from the menu. They have some vegan and vegetarian options too! I tried their curry sweet potato fries which was not served fresh because it was kind of cold (wish it was warm but they probably made a whole batch beforehand for the large crowds) but the curry aioli sauce that came with it was really good. I had the cheesy budda sandwich was was hot and fresh with a lot of gooey Chihuahua cheese and yummy mushrooms and grilled poblano peppers. I scarfed everything down and immediately walked back to work after we finished. My stomach did not feel well afterwards. I need to make sure that I give myself some time to digest after eating such good food here!