Chicagoans know a thing or two about amazing tacos, and soon we’ll have the opportunity to try some of the best in the world.
Tacombi, the New York-based taqueria chain, is bringing tacos from Michelin-starred El Califa de León in Mexico City to Chicago for a limited time next month. On November 13, you can try all four of El Califa de León's delicious tacos plus the restaurant’s two famous salsas at Tacombi’s Wicker Park location (1442 N Milwaukee Ave). After the launch pop-up, a selection of El Califa de León offerings will be offered at Tacombi’s Wicker Park and West Loop (126 N Peoria St) outposts from November 14-28.
A little bit of background: El Califa de León has been dishing out street tacos in Mexico City’s San Rafael neighborhood since 1968. Earlier this year, the Michelin Guide debuted in Mexico and awarded the tiny taqueria with one star. Long lines soon and much attention soon followed.
El Califa’s menu is concise, featuring one pork (chuleta) and three beef (bisteck, costilla, gaonera) options. Unlike most other tacos, the meats aren’t chopped up but instead served as whole pieces. New Jersey’s famed meat purveyor Pat LaFrieda will provide the products, which will be paired with Tacombi’s housemade tortillas.
This isn’t the first time Tacombi has partnered with another eatery for an exciting collab. Earlier this year, the taqueria and J.P. Graziano celebrated Chicago’s 187th birthday with Italian beef tacos.
We’re already salivating and planning our order—one of each taco, duh.