Pink Taco, Vegas/LA’s Mexican Party Restaurant, Is Open in Chicago

There’s a new spot to party in River North starting tonight as Pink Taco opens in the former Bull & Bear space on Hubbard Street. The curiously named club/restaurant debuted in 1999 in Las Vegas but spread to LA. The owners, according to a news release, see the spot as a “community pillar.” They’ll test that commitment with two floors of tacos, lobster enchiladas, and chili poppers inside a 9,600-square-foot space at 431 N. Wells Street.

Management compared the Chicago location’s decor to its Los Angeles location. There’s garage door windows that swing open for more air. The bar specializes in margaritas and there’s a patio with room for 80 to sip those specialty drinks. For $18, customers can order a Something Pink Margarita that comes with a take-home glass. They’ll also serve frozen strawberry margaritas for $15.

Marc Much

If an $18 margarita doesn’t entice River Northers, perhaps the $15 Pink Taco (achiote chicken, black beans, avocado, arbol salsa, cotija cheese, habanero, pickled onions) can get the job done. There’s also a $22 lobster enchilada.

Weekend brunch and happy hour specials will be available. Pink Taco joins El Hefe and Barrio as another clubby spot for Mexican food in River North. While the public can visit the space tonight, come back this week for a more detailed look inside. Meanwhile, take a look at the menus below. And prepare for the onslaught of jokes about the place’s name on Taco Tuesday.

Pink Taco, 431 N. Wells Street, (312) 212-5566, open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday; 11 a.m. to midnight on Tuesday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.