WEST LOOP — It's almost taco time.
Chef Rick Bayless' two neighboring Randolph Street concepts — craft brewery and taquería Cruz Blanca Cervecería, and Baja-inspired seafood restaurant Leña Brava — will open on Thursday, just in time for Cinco de Mayo.
Cruz Blanca, at 904 W. Randolph St., will not take reservations, as the taco and beer counters are both walk-up, but Leña Brava is now taking reservations online.
Inspired by Emil Dercher, the brewer who left France and made his way to Mexico City, where he sold beers under the Cruz Blanca label, the new Cruz Blanca will feature European craft beers with a Mexican touch.
The brewery's walk-up taquería — featuring "DIY" tacos — is modeled after taquerías in Oaxaca’s taco corridor, where meats are grilled over a wood-fire and served with handmade tortillas and fresh salsas.
Peek inside the new spots below.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here: