The newest player to hit the streets of Chicago’s Viagra triangle isn’t some old geezer with a bad toupee but a young hottie whose only lines are the ones forming outside its doors every day. I’m talking about the Velvet Taco. Have you been? If not, you’ve got to check this place out. The globally-inspired taqueria opened in the city’s Gold Coast earlier this year and it’s fast becoming one of John’s favorite lunch places when we’re in the city. The Texas-based, chef-driven eatery is a fast-casual concept serving locally sourced sodas and menu items that are fresh and real. Take your pick from chicken, beef, fish, pork or vegetable tacos or just order the WTF – the weekly taco feature – which during our visit happened to be the flank steak and shrimp and grits tacos – beyond good!

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The restaurant’s vibe is cool and casual with reclaimed wood tables, high ceilings and industrial pendant lights overhead. If you haven’t been you should definitely go. And don’t forget to try the red velvet cake – delish!