Rooted at the intersection of satisfying simplicity seasoned with dashes of daring, Fat Baby Tacos in Chicago is a lively fresh-casual taqueria serving bold takes on modern Latin cuisine. Managing Partners Colin Stanton & Shay Ghazimoradi collaborate with Executive Chef Alex Placencia to present an approachable and convenient menu catering to Chicago’s bustling River North neighborhood and beyond.
Fat Baby Tacos’ menu is chef-prepared and driven by fresh ingredients. Guests are encouraged to ‘follow their gut’ when selecting tacos and burritos that are prepared-to-order and wrapped in the restaurant’s signature homemade tortillas. Tacos and burritos come in five distinct styles utilizing slow-roasted chicken and carnitas, char-broiled steak and shrimp, and vegetarian-friendly queso and veggies. A plethora of garnishes grace the menu with options ranging from Classic with cilantro and onion to sweet Pico with mango, onions and peppers. Further lured by Latin flavors, guests can explore items such as vegetarian Pozole with homemade tomatillo broth and Jicama y Cucumber Ensalada with romaine, pepitas, radish, pickled red onions, queso fresco, and lime-cilantro vinaigrette. Starters and sides include Portobellas & Peppers, Elotes with lime crema and queso fresco; housemade Chips & Salsa, and Fresh Guacamole. Late-night menu (available after 10 p.m.) features exclusive items such as housemade Pork and Veggie Tamales and a Chorizo & Egg Burrito served with green rice, crispy lettuce, chipotle crema and fresh salsa.
At Fat Baby Tacos, drink diversity is key, and the restaurant boasts a variety of cocktails, beer, and non-alcoholic options. At the forefront of the boozy beverages are the restaurant’s signature hand-crafted draft cocktails—Sangria, Vida Paloma & Margarita—which are served on tap and made in-house. The team also keeps beer-lovers top of mind by offering canned Mexican and imported cervezas.
Fresh takes on non-alcoholic drinks include a variety of housemade aqua frescas and vegan Coconut Horchata. Fat Baby Tacos also partners with Dark Matter Coffee to serve its signature Chocolate City Cold Brew, making the taqueria one of the only spots in River North to offer the Chicago-roasted coffee.
SIZZLING Space for All-SeasonsFat Baby Tacos weaves the concept’s bold twist on the traditional taqueria experience into the restaurant’s 100 percent custom design. Walking down Hubbard Street, guests are drawn inside by a 14-foot mural drawn on the front patio wall that was hand-painted by local artist Kasi Turpin. The massive eye-catching artwork was created with the River North neighborhood in mind, while also drawing inspiration from the beautiful plant life of Latin America. Kasi’s goal was to bring the outdoors inside, letting people immerse themselves in the art so that they can appreciate the fresh pop of energy the mural brings to the space. Those lucky enough to snag a seat within the 12-seat all-season patio will discover something new within the painting during each visit.
As guests move through the patio into the interior of the restaurant, the design leads customers to the front counter which highlights the brand’s modern, tech-savvy personality via digital menu boards and iPads used for team members to facilitate orders.
Continuing into the 50-seat dining space, the design pops with hand-painted and neon signs, warm colors, lively iconography and punchy sayings that create a fun and vivacious atmosphere. Overall, Fat Baby Tacos culminates a pop-art aesthetic mixed with Latin influences, creating an inviting and high-energy dining spot. The custom art throughout the restaurant represents who Fat Baby Tacos is—fresh, bold, and playful.
Fat Baby Tacos will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 a.m.
