Really liked this place...warm decor, friendly staff, hyper-service...lots of checking on, clearing plates, etc.
I appreciated the attention to service, but I would suggest that if the staff is going to be so involved with customers - they should know the basic details of the food. When GWiv asked our server what type of fish was being served in the taco, she said "I don't know, I think it's catfish"...which Gary and I didn't think it was - but I assume we're not the only ones who have ever asked, and it's a pretty basic detail of the dish....so the the staff should know.
She did ask us if she should ask the chef, but we refused; at that point, it seems like an inconvenience to find out the information. If she was new, or didn't know - I would suggest she simply say "I'm not sure, I'll check and let you know" rather than asking us to make a special request to see the chef...small detail, but they are a Michelin nominated restaurant...

Other than that little glitch (which was really no big deal), I enjoyed a really nice lunch - excellent carrot soup, mushroom taco was AMAZING for having no meat in it, and the fish taco was really well balanced and full of flavor. Popcorn was a nice complement to everything, made fresh and seasoned well. Revolution porter in a can, which they served at the right temperature - about 52 degrees - (really annoys me when a place serves all their beer ice cold....which is only the proper temperature for PI$$ beers with the word "light" in the title).

To comment on value...it was $50 with tip for 2 orders of tacos, 2 soups, popcorn, a beer, and a mexican coke. Ever since I joined "the owners" table, I rarely criticize prices - as I realize there are so many things the public doesn't consider when deciding if something is a "good value" or appropriately priced. I was happy, would pay it again (not everyday), and give owners the respect that they know what they need to (or can) charge to run their business. I always say, if you don't like it, or think it was too expensive, there are a lot of other places to choose (especially in WP). Owners research the market, cost their products, and charge a price they have deemed appropriate given all the factors. There are also different levels of accepted pay for owners, and some owners say "if I can't make $xxx, it's not worth it to me", and they charge more than others would. If the public supports it, they know what they are doing. Working for less than you are worth is ok to some, not ok for others.

I'm going back next week with my wife, who is much prettier than Gary (sorry Gwiv), so I imagine my 2nd visit will be even better!

rubbbqco wrote:She did ask us if she should ask the chef, but we refused; at that point, it seems like an inconvenience to find out the information.

She did come back with the answer, you may have been in the restroom, pollock was the fish used in the fish taco. I thought service excellent, especially given one orders at the counter and may lower peoples perception of what they should tip. And, yes, I agree, your bride makes for a much lovelier dining companion than myself.

Just re-read a little up thread...just to be clear : my comments on value weren't in response to anyone other than Gary, who said he wasn't sure of the value. I sounded a little harsh with my "if you don't like the prices, go somewhere else." Just to be clear, that wasn't directed at any of the posters who said AT is not a great value. $50 for our lunch wasn't cheap, I just generally stay away from evaluating value...I enjoyed my lunch and will go again..but certainly not if I was in a thrifty mood..


Sent from my iPh

Stopped here for a couple of carnitas tacos today and have to say I was expecting more. Unfortunately I tasted the tamarind glaze and adobo rub but no pork. The tortilla was nice and fresh but didn't hold up well with all the sauce. Staff was friendly and menu looks interesting so ill probably give it another shot when I'm around again.

PSA: Jonathan Zaragoza is cooking up some of his repertoire at Antique Taco these days and, for anyone whose been jonesing for some of his Pozole, it's on special today and tomorrow. I'll be going for lunch tomorrow, 4/1, around 1:00 if anyone wants to join me. And that ain't no fool day joke

After four years of packing in hungry taco obsessives in Wicker Park, Antique Taco is spreading its wings to a second location—on the south side. Owners Rick and Ashley Ortiz will be the latest successful restaurateurs to venture to Bridgeport, Rick's ancestral neighborhood, when the restaurant hopefully opens this spring at 1000 W. 35th St.

http://chicago.eater.com/2016/1/7/10723 ... restaurant

I'm very excited about this new location, as I work almost directly across the street and right now the only easily walkable lunch options are Jimmy John's and Johnny O's. But I can tell you this neighborhood won't support $50 lunches as described upthread.

Jasubar wrote: But I can tell you this neighborhood won't support $50 lunches as described upthread.

My thoughts exactly. I wish them all the luck with the new spot and ill deff give it a try sense ive never had Antique Taco, but i can almost guarantee this will not be a regular spot for most people in the neighborhood.

$50 was for two people. If I'm reading the menu correctly, it's like $8 for two tacos.

AlexAC wrote:

Jasubar wrote: But I can tell you this neighborhood won't support $50 lunches as described upthread.

My thoughts exactly. I wish them all the luck with the new spot and ill deff give it a try sense ive never had Antique Taco, but i can almost guarantee this will not be a regular spot for most people in the neighborhood.

Isn't the Duck Inn in Bridgeport, and isn't it doing well with a signature entree that goes for $60?

chezbrad wrote:

AlexAC wrote:

Jasubar wrote: But I can tell you this neighborhood won't support $50 lunches as described upthread.

My thoughts exactly. I wish them all the luck with the new spot and ill deff give it a try sense ive never had Antique Taco, but i can almost guarantee this will not be a regular spot for most people in the neighborhood.

Isn't the Duck Inn in Bridgeport, and isn't it doing well with a signature entree that goes for $60?

Yes but most people i know in the area do not frequent that spot. I myself have still yet to visit but i plan on it soon. Ill give any place a try even though it may be pricey for me.

chezbrad wrote:

AlexAC wrote:

Jasubar wrote: But I can tell you this neighborhood won't support $50 lunches as described upthread.

My thoughts exactly. I wish them all the luck with the new spot and ill deff give it a try sense ive never had Antique Taco, but i can almost guarantee this will not be a regular spot for most people in the neighborhood.

Isn't the Duck Inn in Bridgeport, and isn't it doing well with a signature entree that goes for $60?

As Alex noted, folks from around 35th St. don't go to Duck Inn much. Plus, Duck Inn's part of Bridgeport isn't all that close to the southwest end of Bridgeport -- physically or demographically -- where Antique Taco is coming. I do have my fingers crossed for this new business. If their offerings are two tacos for $8, it will make for a great occasional lunchtime splurge. Can't wait for the opening later this year!

AlexAC wrote:

Jasubar wrote: But I can tell you this neighborhood won't support $50 lunches as described upthread.

My thoughts exactly. I wish them all the luck with the new spot and ill deff give it a try sense ive never had Antique Taco, but i can almost guarantee this will not be a regular spot for most people in the neighborhood.

This is what people said about Longman & Eagle before they moved into Logan Square...

So I live about midway between the Duck Inn and this proposed restaurant, and 8 bucks for two tacos is a bit dear; I do like Duck Inn, but it is a once-in-a-while place. But if they're good, and I can get a decent drink, I'll be at Antique, too. I think the real cause for local concern is if we want to be Logan Square. I think the answer is a resounding "Hmmm..."

However, sociological concerns aside, we are off track. How is the food at the mothership? Is it better than the middling Mexican options in Bridgeport? Erendira is fine, but I haven't met anything else worth returning to in walking distance. Johnnie O's is okay, but not my favorite beef in the world. And in a neighborhood sprouting half-million-dollar houses left and right, I think the neighbors are going to like a place like this, so long as it's good. So how is it?

Conventional wisdom suggests that when a restaurant expands, you can expect quality to start decreasing at the original location as oversight/resources/quality staff begin to spread across spots. Dinner this weekend at Antique Taco makes me think they've managed to (so far) avoid this pitfall. Shrimp and fish tacos remain some of the best in the city. Creamed elotes still delicious. Everything came out hot, fast, and well presented. Good on them.

I've had continuing luck with all three locations, finding myself at Bridgeport most often, which has a free parking lot. It always seems to be well-staffed, drinks come out promptly (and well-made, from horchata coffee and milkshake to the rosemary margaritas), and they use better meats and get more char on them than (reopened) Carbon not so far away.

I called the original a Pinterest restaurant and can see how some of the cute and dear can be contextually offputting, but I think they put more effort and less attitude into things than Big Star (of which at least the catering operation has impressed of late) and I find Antique Taco superior in atmo and flavor. Whatever taco dorado they have on offer is usually packed and rich and makes a warming meal with a side of the masa chili or elote soup.

they put more effort and less attitude into things than Big Star (of which at least the catering operation has impressed of late) and I find Antique Taco superior in atmo and flavor

This is pretty much verbatim how I compare the two as well. There really is no comparison except for the alcohol and patio scene. Big Star wins there but is inferior in all other regards.