Buzz Bait Taqueria

Buzz Bait, the joint fish taco venture from the owners of Lou Malnati's and Kamehachi, opened in August. I stopped in two weeks ago before a show at A Red Orchid Theatre, which is located next door.

The set-up is fast casual - order at the counter, get a number, grab a seat (booths and high tops), and wait for your food. There are seven different tacos on the menu that range in price from $8 to $10. There are two tacos per order, but you can also get a combo of any two for $10. On my visit, there was an additional special taco of the day.

My dining companion and I each opted for a combo so I was able to try four tacos: Sweet & Spicy Ahi Tuna Poke; Crispy Panko-Crusted Avocado, Sapporo Battered Alaskan Cod; and the Seared Mahi Mahi. With the exception of the way-too-sweet poke, I thought everything was good. The tacos are loaded with fillings and the fish was all good. The flour tortillas were warm but could have used a little char.

The guacamole and housemade (I think) chips were very good.

Will I go out of my way to go back? Nope. Will I go back? Barring a better combination of food/price/convenience moving into Old Town, I suspect I'll be back when I next go to A Red Orchid Theatre.

Buzz Bait Taqueria
1529 N Wells St, Chicago
(312) 664-2899
Website