SOUTHPORT CORRIDOR — Chicagoans will travel miles for their favorite tacos, but some of the best Lakeview spots will be together in one spot this weekend.
The Sam Adams Lakeview Taco Fest is returning to the Southport Corridor for its third year. The festival will stretch from Addison to Roscoe and feature tacos from 14 restaurants — many located a stone's throw from the fest.
Staples like chicken, fish and steak tacos will be available, plus creations like pulled short rib and portobello, goat barbecue, lobster roll and cajun ribeye.
The Taco Fest is a final chance to enjoy the open air of street festivals before cold weather hits, said Lee Crandell, executive director of the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce. Suggested $8 donations will benefit the chamber and help businesses get permits, support programs like the Low-Line Market and cover festival costs, he said.
This year, a second stage at Roscoe will double the entertainment, which includes performances from Catfight, Too White Crew, 16 Candles and — appropriately — Hot Sauce Committee.
"Nacho Libre" fans can catch the real thing at 5 p.m. both days, as costumed luchadores freestyle wrestle at Cornelia and Southport.
There will be special beer and taco pairings, and visitors will be able vote on the best taco with text messages. Reigning champion Taco Joint (Lincoln Park) will be returning, along with runners-up Cafe Tola (Southport Corridor), D.S. Tequila Company (Boystown) and Cafe El Tapatio (Lakeview).
New to the line-up are Beat Kitchen (Roscoe Village), Dive Bar (Boystown) and mEAT Restaurant (Boystown).
The festival will run 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here: