After Nearly 20 Years, Las Palmas in Wicker Park Has Closed

Family-owned restaurant Las Palmas, a festive Wicker Park spot that’s served modern Mexican cuisine to legions of fans for nearly two decades, has closed with plans to reopen as a new, casual venture called Taquizo. Owner Maria Rivera announced the transition in a Facebook post.

Taquizo, the new restaurant, will feature a street food-focused menu from veteran chef and restaurateur Yanitzin Sanchez (Mas, Sabor Saveur, Mercado Cocina), who will also oversee the culinary team, Rivera writes on Facebook. The spot will function as both a quick-service taqueria and a dining room with a seated dinner menu. During the pandemic, it’ll feature delivery, takeout, and meal kits. A list of menu items isn’t yet public, but tortillas will be made on site and fans of the prior restaurant can expect a cocktail list with a similarly imaginative approach.

Las Palmas first opened in 2001 at 1835 W. North Avenue. An upscale restaurant with live music, plentiful margaritas, and contemporary Mexican food, it rapidly became a prized neighborhood destination that featured both a cozy fireplace and a spacious glassed-in atrium. Fans flocked to the attractive yet unpretentious space for menu items tequila-spiked skirt steak and cochinita pibil. There were creative drinks alongside classic margaritas as well.

Citing the rapidly changing regulations facing the hospitality industry during the pandemic, ownership hasn’t shared a specific opening date for Taquizo, but promises “we will be back soon!” Owners haven’t yet responded to a request for more information.

Taquizo, 1835 W. North Avenue, Scheduled opening date is not yet available.