Ever since moving to Chicago from L.A. I've been on a quest for the perfect taco. Delicious and inexpensive Mexican food can be found on every block in L.A.; back in my college days at USC I'd often grab 3 tacos for lunch at a little (non trendy since that was back in 2004) food truck parked near campus. Those tacos were only $1 each and were authentic street style Mexican tacos: juicy, tender meat sprinkled liberally with chopped onion, tomatoes and salsa. I particularly favor al pastor (spit roasted pork) and fish tacos but had difficulty finding anything in Chicago that even remotely matched what I'd always had access to in L.A.After years of eating "decent" but not spectacular tacos, I had the good fortune to taste Antique Taco's version of a fish taco at the Renegade Craft Fair last summer. Their tacos feature fresh ingredients and they give their own subtle yet unique spin on classic favorites. The fish taco contains a crispy tempura battered fish filet, smoked cabbage, scallions and creamy sriracha tartar sauce. For months I dreamed about those fish tacos and I encountered them again at The Vintage Bazaar Flea Market at the Dank Haus where Ashley, the co-owner, told me that her and her husband were opening a restaurant in Wicker Park! I counted down the months, then the days, when I'd be within walking distance (rather than a plane ride away) from delicious fish tacos.
Antique Taco opened to much deserved fanfare in mid-May and I've since eaten there several times and have never been disappointed.
Shortly after Antique Taco's opening, Sarah of Zzouzi Vintage and I met there for an early dinner and to take blog photos. You can see my order of 2 fish tacos and a horchata milkshake above.
It was difficult to take a bad photo in the restaurant, it's an airy, light-filled corner space on Milwaukee Avenue. The tables are made out of re-claimed wood and there's attention to detail throughout the space including vintage Mason jars of flowers on each table and vintage china used as the serving plates.
Sarah's food-- she ordered sweet and spicy chicken tacos, chips and guacamole and agua fresca.
Sarah looking adorable in her little head wrap and pink gingham shirt.
Upclose shot of Sarah's tacos, besides the chicken they featured cucumber, jalepeno pickle, honey yogurt and purple onion.
Showcasing Sarah's fun nail art that she did herself and the colorful agua fresca (pureed fruit, simple syrup and fresh lemon juice).
If you're curious about the name "Antique Taco", Ashley had the idea to use vintage elements throughout the restaurant and to also sell a curated collection of vintage and antique items in the restaurant. For now the food side of the business dominates but it will be interesting to see how the vintage part will expand in the future.
Here is the attention to detail I mentioned earlier-- we noticed Ashley and one of her workers hand stamping each pick that comes in every taco. That's dedication!
Even the bathrooms are photogenic!If you're a fellow Chicagoan you must visit Antique Taco in the near future, since my last visit they have created an outdoor patio which is perfect for eating al fresco on a warm summer night. They also do take out though the interior of the restaurant is so cheerful and inviting I'm not sure why you'd want to pass up the chance to eat in such an a welcoming atmosophere.