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Ever since the runaway success of Big Star in Wicker Park, we’ve been waiting for the taco joint onslaught to begin. So what makes this opening different, especially since you can get tacos on just about any street corner in the city? Well, the involvement of Edgar Castaneda is the most intriguing draw here, since he is already a managing partner at the very popular Zocalo Restaurant in River North. It is officially opening today, and we just got a look at the taco-heavy menu, which you can check out below.

When it was first announced in October, we were actually more intrigued with the walkup window, imaging it would be the perfect place to grab a late night snack in Lincoln Park. But considering the weather, it makes sense that the window wouldn’t open for a couple weeks or so. Luckily, the actual restaurant will be staying open until 2 a.m. most of the week, and until 3 a.m. on Saturday.

Taco Joint, 1969 North Halsted, Chicago, Illinois 60614; (312) 951-2457

TACOS
Enjoy a selection of braised and grilled meats, home-made salsas and hand-made tortillas in a variety of tacos and flavorful sides.

Barbacoa $3
braised beef brisket with cilantro and onion, roasted red jalapeno salsa

Birria $3
Jalisco-style lamb and pork stew with spicy cascabel-morita salsa

Tinga $2
marinated, shredded chicken garnished with red cabbage and "guac-salsa"

Al Pastor $3
marinated, grilled chicken breast garnished with serrano-pineapple juice pico and tangy tomatillo salsa

Cochinita $3
Yucatan-style pulled pork garnished with pickled red onions and spicy habanero salsa

Carnitas $3
crispy duck confit with cilantro and onion, ancho chile salsa

Fajita $3
marinated grilled steak with onion, green and red bell peppers and "ranchera" salsa, served on a flour tortilla

Rajas $2
strips of poblano peppers and onions, sauteed with creamy tomatillo salsa, served over a black bean spread

Ceviche $2
citrus-cured tilapia with tomato, red onion, roasted red pepper, orange and avocado, served on a crispy tortilla

Especial del Dia
ask about today's regional street fare special

TORTAS (sandwiches) & HUARACHES (masa "flatbreads")
black bean spread, "pico de gallo" and fresco cheese with your choice of:

Papas con Chorizo
homemade chorizo with roasted red bliss potatoes and "molcajete" salsa - torta $6, huarache $5

Cecina
thinly-sliced, marinated and cured grilled steak, roasted red jalapeno salsa and guacamole - torta $7, huarache $6

Hongos
sauteed mushrooms and roasted corn simmered in a citrus-guajillo salsa - torta $6, huarache $5

OTROS ANTOJITOS
"street snacks"

Elotes $4
grilled corn on the cob with mayonnaise, cotija cheese and chile piquin

Flautitas $6
four crispy Mexico City-style taquitos with chicken tinga, tomatillo salsa, red cabbage, fresco cheese,"guac salsa" and sour cream

Queso Fundido $7
melted Chihuahua cheese, roasted poblano strips and homemade chorizo

GUACAMOLES
served with corn, sweet plantain and malanga chips
Uno $3, Dos $6, Tres $8

Tradicional
Avocado with tomatoes, red onion, cilantro and serrano

Fruta
avocado with papaya, mango, habanero and walnuts

Rojo
avocado with roasted tomatoes, roasted onion and roasted red jalapeno salsa

Especial
ask about today's special guacamole preparation

SALADS & EXTRAS

Ensalada Verde $7
mixed greens, romaine, caramelized and toasted pumpkin seeds, sliced avocado, mango and green apple, served with a creamy avocado-serrano dressing

Taco Joint Salad $10
pan-fried breaded chicken breast with spinach, mushrooms, toasted almonds and tomatoes, served with an agave-morita vinaigrette

Poblano Rice $2
Refried Black Beans $2
Chips & Salsa $3

Rompope Tres Leches $3
Seasonal Flan $3
Paletas $3