THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Taco Joint

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Taco Joint Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant & décor: For a restaurant outside the main nightlife arteries of River North, Taco Joint still gets its share of locals hungry for a solid yet stripped down menu of guacamole, torta, taco and margarita specials. When the weather is warm, the windows open up to the bustling traffic on Ontario (which leads to the interstate onramp). Inside, look for moody, dramatic paint, distressed wood tables and a separate bar off the main one dedicated to tequila. The crowd leans young --- the girl group catching up over grapefruit margaritas, the boys watching the game over Modelos, the daters sipping specialty tequilas. Unrushed yet attentive servers keep the chips and glasses replenished.

Likes: Unfussy and affordable.
Dislikes: If you weren’t driving, it could be hard to spot.

Food & Drinks: One of a trio of restaurants in Chicagoland, this outpost serves the sip-, savor- and linger-patrons of River North. Appetizers pack subtlety and spice; try the rojo guacamole for a bit of heat and some acidity from sun-dried tomatoes. Flautas are decadent with every fluffy, creamy bite of pulled chicken tinga, crema, avocado and tomatillo salsas and queso fresco, with a snap of crunchy cabbage to counter the airiness. Tacos are the main event; the beer-battered Baja is light and crisp, while the steak fajita brings roasted poblano and bell peppers. Standout sides include the street corn and blistered sweet peppers. Churro donut holes are best tried with a slow, smooth sipper: a shot of cinnamon-like Clase Azul tequila.