Mercadito

Description
After opening three New York City locations, this late-night taco-and-tequila parlor has entered the Chicago market, ostensibly bringing something to the scene that we don't already have. The tacos are indeed original—carnitas tacos come with cool coleslaw and rich peanuts; crispy estilo Baja tacos come with an aioli spicy enough to make you sweat—but the rest of the wares (including the much-hyped cocktails) are inconsistent. But when you taste chef Patricio Sandoval's flans, you'll be convinced that despite the growing pains, this place has something going for it. Who knows? Maybe New York has something to teach Chicago about Mexican food after all.