Long-Awaited Takito Kitchen Now Serving 'Elevated Tacos'

A Mexican-inspired restaurant is aiming for the “most elevated tacos in the city.” That’s according to Anshul Mangal, one of the owners behind the new Takito Kitchen, which opened Wednesday in Wicker Park. 

Mangal teamed up with restaurateur Mario Ponce, Chef David Dworshak and Mixologist Adam Weber for Takito—slang for “small taco.”

Along with tacos, the menu will have food from across several Latin cultures. Dworshak, formerly of Carnivale and Spring, has a wide background in the culture. Produce will be locally-sourced and change with the season. And with the exception of the masa crackers, everything is gluten-free. 

The restaurant has another ace in mixologist Weber. His former projects include Trencherman and Mercadito.

Takito will be open everyday except for Tuesdays at 5 p.m., and have a kid-friendly atmosphere in the early evening. But as the hour gets later, Mangal said the space lends itself for turning down the lights and turning up the music.

A French and Mexican eatery, Sabor Saveur, was formerly in the building at 2013 W. Division St. Ponce found the location and thought the space would be perfect for the new taco joint.

“It’s just booming with restaurant activity and it’s only going to grow,” Mangal said. “We hope to be a part of it.”

Rather than a traditional grand opening, Takito Kitchen held two dinners where the proceeds went to charity. Nearly $5,000 went to 826Chi, a nonprofit tutoring and writing center in the neighborhood.

What to eat and drink at Takito Kitchen:

Mangal predicts the most popular dish on the menu will be the Yucatan-style Chicken Soup, with green plantains, recado verde, avocado and lime. 

For tacos, try the original lamb and chorizo taco with tomatillo pistachio salsa, jicama and Brunkow cheese.  They’re also putting a twist on the standard fish taco. A hibiscus tortilla encases a crispy red fish taco with carrot jalapeño slaw, coconut custard and basil.

The bar program has traditional margaritas and sangria, but items like the Caliente margarita will have a spicy kick, Mangal said. 

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